Cash boost to aid marine life protection

The bay is home to thornback rays and reef-building honeycomb worms

A unique stretch of coastline has been given £250,000 to protect its marine life.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded the money to Cumbria Wildlife Trust to highlight the important species living in Allonby Bay.

In 2023 the site was designated as England's first inshore Highly Protected Marine Area (HPMA).

Joe Harper, bay engagement officer for the trust, said the area was "really bio-diverse and ecologically important".

The HPMA covers about three miles from Allonby to Bank End Farm and extends approximately three and a half miles out to sea.

Mr Harper's role is to work with local people and businesses to bring a greater understanding of what the designation means and how they can benefit from it.

He said: "This is an area that's seen as almost pristine - it is really bio-diverse and ecologically important.

"It is home to sea squirts, anemones, cuttlefish, plaice, skate, thornback rays and reef-building honeycomb worms which are usually only found in Cumbria."

Joe Harper said the scheme would be a benchmark for other protected areas

As part of the project, Cumberland Coastal School will be working with the trust organising events for children to learn about the coast and the protected area.

Rosie De Mello, the trust's west coast community officer, said: "Cumbria has three sides sea and we need to highlight that to the younger generation and encourage them to protect it."

Mr Harper added: "This is going to be used as a benchmark for any other HPMA."