Walk the Bay and fundraise with Morecambe Bay Partnership

Sunday, 26 February 2023 12:31

Local charity, Morecambe Bay Partnership, is holding its first ever Cross Bay Walk from Arnside to Grange-over-Sands this summer.

The event, on Sunday 30th July at 3.30pm, will see walkers experience this unique route across the Bay and to raise funds to keep Morecambe Bay special.

For many years, Morecambe Bay Partnership has been supporting the nature, heritage and culture of Morecambe Bay, keeping the Bay litter free, and protecting its wildlife and heritage.

On this unique walk, participants will have the opportunity to step out onto the sands safely and experience the Bay from a different perspective. And with every step, walkers can raise vital funds to support Morecambe Bay.

The team at Morecambe Bay Partnership are encouraging everyone who joins the walk to go green and help protect the Bay's nature and environment. Travelling to the walk by public transport, or by car sharing, for example, will reduce carbon emissions, pollution and traffic congestion in the Bay. With the charity’s current focus promoting low carbon travel and helping communities adapt to climate change, a Cross-Bay walk is a great way to get involved.

Teresa Kirk, the charity’s Supporter Engagement Officer says 'Morecambe Bay is served by the wonderful Furness railway line which hugs the Bay, connecting its towns and villages by train. With stops at Arnside and Grange-over-Sands, and with connections to mainline stations, this a fantastic, low carbon way to travel to and from the walk."

Morecambe Bay Partnership highlights that since the walk passes across the sands of the Bay, all walkers will be on nature's patch.

Michelle Cooper, Team Leader for Engagement, says “Whilst this walk will allow walkers to appreciate the stunning landscape and beauty of Morecambe Bay, we’re asking everyone to tread carefully. The Bay is home to a staggering diversity of birds, and an internationally significant breeding site, so we’ll see some of the Bay’s spectacular and special birdlife but keep disturbance to a minimum.”

The team from Morecambe Bay Partnership will bring binoculars to spot birds and ask everyone to minimise disturbance to wildlife by keeping dogs on leads and keeping a safe distance from any nests and birds.

The charity also encourages participants to bring drinks and food in refillable flasks, bottles and lunchboxes which will help reduce the use of single use plastics that have the potential to become litter and blight the Bay's coastline.

Money raised by the walk will help to support Morecambe Bay and make a lasting difference. Just £10 buys a pair of litter pickers for beach care volunteers who tackle litter to protect wildlife and keep the Bay’s beaches clean. £25 supports Tramper hire to help someone less mobile enjoy Morecambe Bay’s countryside and get outdoors & into nature. £50 pays for a school's workshop helping young people connect and care for Morecambe Bay. Money raised by the walk will have a measurable impact on the Bay and its communities.

CEO Sarah Mason says “Morecambe Bay is special and as we pass through it we aim to enjoy and respect nature. As we walk together, we’ll protect the Bay’s wildlife and birds by minimising disturbance and ensure we leave no trace on our route across the sands. And with every step, you can show your love for Morecambe Bay. Your money will help us to keep Morecambe Bay special, providing vital funds to protect the nature, heritage and culture of the Bay.”

Tickets cost £15.00 for Adults & Children of 11+ years and £5.00 for dogs which must be kept on a lead throughout the walk. Please note that 11+ years is the recommended minimum age for children.

Before booking onto the walk, the charity asks everyone to read the Information Pack in full, so they know what to expect on the walk, what to do on the day, what kit to bring and the level of fitness required for the walk.

Bookings can be made via this website