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Nearby park discovery

Mapping the geographic distribution of protected seabed and coastal zones in the Irish Sea

Protected Marine Areas and Coastal Conservation Landscapes Near West of Walney, England

Examine the geographic context of marine conservation zones and protected environments surrounding West of Walney. This spatial overview identifies neighboring protected areas by their relative location within the Irish Sea and the broader Cumbrian coastline, highlighting the distribution of regional seabed habitats and conservation boundaries.

Related tags

marine conservation zoneIrish Seasubtidal habitatssubtidal mudsubtidal sand

A large Irish Sea sanctuary of subtidal mud and sand, co-located with offshore wind turbines off northwest England.

West of Walney Marine Conservation Zone

West of Walney is a Marine Conservation Zone in the Irish Sea, located west of Walney Island off the coast of Cumbria in northwest England. Designated in 2016, it was created to protect subtidal mud and subtidal sand habitats on the seabed, at depths of roughly 15 to 33 metres. The zone is unusually large for its type, covering around 388 square kilometres, an area comparable to the Isle of Wight. The MCZ is notable for being co-located with an offshore wind farm, a setting that has shaped how the site is managed. Because trawling is generally avoided within windfarm developments, restricting bottom trawling within the conservation zone became a relatively practical management approach. The offshore energy context has therefore become an integral part of the site's conservation story rather than a competing use. On its designation, West of Walney was one of three Marine Conservation Zones off the Cumbrian coast, alongside Allonby Bay and Cumbria Coast. The site is recognized for fauna such as sea pens and has also been used as a setting to trial more sustainable fishing approaches, including creel-based prawn fishing, as an alternative to bottom trawling.

Location
United Kingdom
Park type
Marine protected area
Established
2016
Area
388 km²
West of Walney Marine Protected Area
Regional park map

See the ranked park cluster in its geographic setting

Nearby parks around West of Walney Marine Conservation Zone

This regional map shows the same 20 nearby parks ranked below around West of Walney Marine Conservation Zone. Select a ranked marker to highlight that park’s boundary where boundary data is available.
Reference park: West of Walney Marine Conservation ZoneRanked nearby park20 nearby parks shown
20 nearby parks

Distance-ranked conservation areas and surrounding marine regional geography

Parks and Protected Areas Geographically Near West of Walney

Examine the ranked collection of protected areas situated geographically near West of Walney, ordered by direct spatial separation across the marine landscape. Compare recorded environmental traits and country contexts to analyze surrounding marine and terrestrial conservation patterns without assuming identical habitats.
Watercolor painting showing a lake, green hills, and sky
National parkCumbria
About 21 km away#1 closest

North

Lake District National Park: Protected Landscape Atlas and Geographic Exploration

Mapped mountain terrain and glacial valleys in Cumbria

Delve into the geography of Lake District National Park, a protected area renowned for its dramatic mountainous terrain, U-shaped glacial valleys, and stunning natural lakes. This atlas perspective highlights the park's unique landscape features, mapped boundaries, and its significance within Cumbria, offering a comprehensive view for geographic discovery.

Area
2,292 km²
Established
1951
IUCN
V
Relief
Mountain
A horizontal watercolor painting showing a wetland in the foreground with grasses, rolling hills, and distant mountains under a pale sky.
Wildlife reserveLancashire
About 49 km away#2 closest

East

Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve: Geographic Atlas and Protected Wetland Boundary Analysis

Lancashire coastal wetland and reedbed ecosystems

Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve stands as the largest reedbed complex in north west England. This protected wildlife reserve offers a distinct landscape contrast between enclosed freshwater wetlands and the open saltmarsh of Morecambe Bay, providing essential habitat data for regional environmental study and birdlife geography.

Established
1964
Relief
Lowland
Access
Easy access
Scope
Terrestrial
Watercolor painting of green hills, a stream, and grassy areas
National parkNorth Yorkshire
About 62 km away#3 closest

East

Yorkshire Dales National Park: A Protected Landscape in North Yorkshire

Explore mapped boundaries and distinctive limestone terrain.

Yorkshire Dales National Park offers a rich tapestry of mapped natural landscapes, characterized by its iconic limestone valleys, U-shaped glacial formations, and rolling heather-clad moorlands. Situated within North Yorkshire, this protected area showcases a unique karst geology, evident in features like Malham Cove and extensive cave systems. The park's traditional dry-stone walls and working farms contribute to a living cultural landscape, making it a prime destination for atlas-driven geographic discovery and understanding regional terrain.

Area
2,178 km²
Established
1954
IUCN
V
Relief
Mountain
Watercolor illustration of a coastal bay with green grassy foreground and distant purple hills against a plain white background.
Marine protected areaCumbria
About 81 km away#4 closest

North

Allonby Bay Marine Protected Area: Coastal Landscapes and Roman Archaeology in Cumbria

A vital protected coastal stretch along the Solway Firth.

Discover the unique geography of Allonby Bay, a marine protected zone distinguished by its sweeping dunes, honeycomb worm reefs, and saline marshes. Situated along the Solway coast of Cumbria, the area serves as a critical habitat for marine species while housing significant Roman milefortlets that mark the historic frontier of northern England.

Area
40 km²
Established
2016
Relief
Lowland
Climate
Temperate
Watercolor illustration of rolling mountains and green valleys with distant peaks
National parkWales
About 87 km away#5 closest

South

Snowdonia National Park: Protected Landscape and Map Exploration in North Wales

Mountain terrain, glacial lakes, and regional geography.

Snowdonia National Park offers a profound exploration of mountainous protected landscapes in North Wales. This page details the park's mapped boundaries, revealing a terrain shaped by glaciation, featuring dramatic peaks like Snowdon, steep valleys, and pristine glacial lakes. Understand its geographic identity within the United Kingdom and how its protected status contributes to the regional landscape context, providing a unique focus for atlas-based discovery.

Area
2,142 km²
Established
1951
IUCN
V
Relief
Mountain
Nature reserveWest Yorkshire
About 112 km away#6 closest

East

Bradford Pennine Gateway: Protected Pennine Fringe Geography in West Yorkshire

A sprawling network of moorland, wetlands, and gritstone valleys.

Spanning over a thousand hectares, this protected nature reserve integrates varied terrain across the Bradford district. From the ancient post-glacial sediments of Bingley North Bog to the sweeping gritstone plateaus, the reserve provides essential habitat for upland bird species and rare reptiles. It stands as a vital corridor of wilderness within the northern landscape, illustrating the geological character of the South Pennines.

Area
12.74 km²
Established
2025
Water
Minor water
Season
Year-round
National parkUnited Kingdom
About 114 km away#7 closest

Southeast

Peak District National Park: Explore Protected Landscape and Regional Geography

Mapped boundaries and natural terrain context for this UK national park.

Investigate the Peak District National Park, a cornerstone of the United Kingdom's protected natural areas. This MoriAtlas entry provides essential details on its geographic scope, mapped boundaries, and landscape characteristics. Engage with structured data to understand how this national park fits into the atlas of the United Kingdom, supporting detailed geographic and protected-area discovery for researchers and explorers.

Area
1,440 km²
Established
1951
IUCN
V
Visitors
13M annual
Watercolor illustration of Hadrian's Wall stretching across rolling green hills with distant mountains and trees under a sunset sky
National parkNorthumberland
About 123 km away#8 closest

Northeast

Northumberland National Park: England's Northernmost Protected Landscape and Dark Sky Wilderness

Explore its mapped boundaries, Roman heritage, and remote moorland terrain.

Northumberland National Park protects over 1,050 square kilometers of remote and stunning natural beauty in northern England, bordering Scotland. This page provides a structured overview of its protected landscape, focusing on its geographic context within the county of Northumberland, its designation as a National Park, and its renowned status as Europe's largest Dark Sky Park. Users can discover the park's characteristic moorland terrain, the archaeological significance of Hadrian's Wall, and the vast expanses of Kielder Forest, offering an atlas-level understanding of this unique frontier landscape.

Area
1,050 km²
Established
1956
IUCN
V
Relief
Highland
Watercolor painting of soft, rolling green hills and dunes with purple mountain peaks in the distance against a white background.
Nature reserveCounty Down
About 154 km away#9 closest

West

Murlough Nature Reserve: Coastal Dune and Heathland Atlas of County Down

A historic protected peninsula along the shores of Dundrum Bay.

Located in County Down, Murlough Nature Reserve stands as the largest dune heathland in Ireland. This protected landscape encompasses a complex system of sand dunes and open heath, set against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains. The reserve provides a unique vantage point for understanding coastal geomorphology, invertebrate-rich habitats, and the long-term interaction between shoreline dunes and upland mountainous geography.

Area
2.82 km²
Established
1967
Relief
Lowland
Climate
Temperate
Watercolor illustration showing rolling hills, green vegetation, and a pale sky
National parkNorth Yorkshire
About 163 km away#10 closest

East

North York Moors National Park: Explore its Protected Landscape and Geography

Discover mapped moorland, dales, and coastlines.

The North York Moors National Park is a vital protected landscape in North Yorkshire, celebrated for its extensive heather moorland and distinctive deeply incised dales. This page provides an atlas-style exploration of the park's geography, highlighting its unique terrain, mapped boundaries, and its integral role within the regional landscape context. Understand the diverse natural features that define this iconic national park, from the upland plateau to the dramatic Jurassic coast.

Area
1,430 km²
Established
1952
IUCN
V
Relief
Upland
Protected landscapeScottish Borders
About 176 km away#11 closest

North

Upper Tweeddale National Scenic Area: Geography and Protected Landscape Atlas Map

Regional landscape profile in the Scottish Borders

Upper Tweeddale National Scenic Area encompasses 12,770 hectares of refined southern Scottish countryside. This atlas entry provides an overview of the area landscape, defined by its narrow river valley, tributary glens, and the significant upland plateau of the Tweedsmuir Hills. Examine the geographic intersection of protected habitats, historic estates, and the winding course of the River Tweed.

Area
128 km²
Established
1981
Relief
Upland
Climate
Temperate
Nature reserveNorthern Ireland
About 192 km away#12 closest

West

Oxford Island National Nature Reserve: Protected Wetland Landscapes of Northern Ireland

Lakeshore habitats and woodland geography at Lough Neagh

Oxford Island is a prominent nature reserve where terrestrial woodland meets the expansive waters of Lough Neagh. The site showcases a transition of reed beds and meadows that serve as vital ecological assets within the regional geography of Northern Ireland, offering a dense, accessible look at lowland wetland environments.

Area
1.14 km²
Relief
Lowland
Climate
Temperate
Access
Easy access
A soft-toned watercolor painting of the Dyfi estuary in Wales, showing marshy foreground, water, and distant trees under a pale, minimalist sky.
Biosphere reserveWales
About 195 km away#13 closest

South

Dyfi Biosphere: Mapped Protected Landscapes and Coastal Geography in Western Wales

Discover the estuarine wetlands, raised mires, and Atlantic woodlands of a key Welsh biosphere reserve

The Dyfi Biosphere provides a comprehensive look at the geography of a protected coastal region in Wales. Its boundaries encompass diverse terrain ranging from the Ynyslas sand spit and salt marshes to the primary raised mire of Cors Fochno. This landscape functions as a vital wetland system, offering a clear visual representation of dune succession, peatland growth, and temperate Atlantic woodland ecosystems within a single, interconnected, and carefully monitored geographic area.

Area
15.89 km²
Established
1977
Relief
Mixed relief
Climate
Temperate
A soft watercolor illustration featuring green rolling hills; pink foliage; and a calm bay under a pale sky.
Marine protected areaScotland
About 196 km away#14 closest

Northwest

Lamlash Marine Protected Area: Coastal Geography and Protected Waters in Scotland

Maritime terrain and conservation landscapes of the Firth of Clyde

Located along the eastern coast of the Isle of Arran, the Lamlash Marine Protected Area serves as a landmark for community-led conservation in Scotland. The site protects a vital marine ecosystem including maerl beds within a sheltered natural harbour, providing a distinct study of coastal boundaries and marine terrain facing Holy Isle across the Firth of Clyde.

Established
2008
Visitors
1.1K annual
Relief
Lowland
Climate
Temperate
An illustration of a green meadow in the foreground with forest, steep cliffs, and a narrow waterfall in the background under a pale sky with soft pink clouds.
National parkCounty Meath
About 196 km away#15 closest

West

Boyne Valley National Park: Protected River Floodplains and Neolithic Landscapes

Geographic atlas overview for County Meath, Ireland

Boyne Valley National Park encompasses a significant riparian corridor along the River Boyne, serving as a sanctuary for diverse freshwater species and a guardian of major megalithic monuments. This protected area offers insight into the confluence of Irish ecological preservation and prehistoric archaeological heritage within a managed, low-lying floodplain setting.

Area
2.23 km²
Established
2023
IUCN
II
Relief
Lowland
Watercolor illustration of a landscape with mountains, a lake, and trees
National parkCounty Wicklow
About 202 km away#16 closest

Southwest

Wicklow Mountains National Park: Protected Landscape and Geographic Atlas Mapping

Explore County Wicklow's mapped natural terrain and park boundaries.

Understand the geographic scope and protected landscape identity of Wicklow Mountains National Park. This page offers detailed information on its mapped boundaries and its context within County Wicklow, providing a foundation for atlas-based discovery of Ireland's natural areas. Explore how this national park contributes to the region's mapped geography and conservation landscapes.

Area
205 km²
Established
1991
IUCN
II
Relief
Mountain
Protected areaCounty Antrim
About 207 km away#17 closest

Northwest

Slieveanorra Forest Protected Area: Geography, Maps, and Upland Landscape Context

A comprehensive look at the Antrim forest and glacial landscape.

Slieveanorra Forest serves as a prominent protected area within the County Antrim uplands. Featuring expansive conifer woodlands, the site includes rugged terrain, reservoir edges, and scenic summit views. Understand the geological and environmental composition of this working forest landscape through its mapped boundaries and regional context.

Relief
Upland
Water
Minor water
Nature reserveNorthern Ireland
About 209 km away#18 closest

Northwest

Lough Beg Nature Reserve: Mapping the Wetlands and Floodplains of Northern Ireland

An essential protected landscape within the Lough Neagh basin.

Lough Beg provides a distinct geographic study of freshwater ecosystems and alluvial landscapes. As a designated nature reserve, it forms a crucial link in the Lower Bann catchment, characterized by its shallow waters and seasonal pasture flooding. The area serves as a primary hub for migratory bird species, while the historic Church Island offers a unique convergence of early Christian heritage and natural wetland terrain.

Relief
Lowland
Climate
Temperate
Access
Easy access
Scope
Terrestrial
Nature reserveNorthern Ireland
About 220 km away#19 closest

Northwest

Ballynahone Bog: Northern Ireland Lowland Raised Peatland and Wetland Geography

Intact active bog dome and protected wetland landscape

Examine the geography of Ballynahone Bog, one of the largest remaining lowland raised bogs in Northern Ireland. This protected landscape preserves an active peat-forming surface, intricate hummock and pool complexes, and marginal fen habitats, offering insight into the ecological history and hydrological patterns of the Lough Neagh lowland region.

Area
2.432 km²
Established
1995
Relief
Lowland
Climate
Temperate
Watercolor illustration of a mountainous landscape with lakes and greenery
National parkWales
About 220 km away#20 closest

South

Brecon Beacons National Park: Explore Wales' Iconic Protected Mountain Landscape

Discover mapped terrain, park boundaries, and regional geography.

Brecon Beacons National Park, officially Bannau Brycheiniog, stands as a premier protected area within Wales, covering over 1,344 square kilometers of striking mountainous terrain. This national park is defined by its dramatic Old Red Sandstone ranges, including Pen y Fan, South Wales' highest peak, and features diverse landscapes from heather moorland to extensive river valleys. Its mapped boundaries encompass unique geological features, significant historical sites, and provide context for regional geographic exploration, making it a key destination for understanding protected lands in the UK.

Area
1,344 km²
Established
1957
IUCN
V
Visitors
4.4M annual
Distance methodology

Geographic measurements, not driving distances

How nearby park distances are calculated

Distances use park boundaries whenever the available geometry allows it. When one or both boundaries are missing, the mapped park locations provide a clearly labelled estimate. Every value represents straight-line geographic separation and does not use roads or routing.

Boundary distance

Calculated between the nearest points of both park boundaries.

Location-to-boundary estimate

Estimated from one mapped park location to the nearest boundary of the other park.

Mapped-location estimate

Estimated between the mapped locations of both parks.

MoriAtlas Explorer

Explore the Geographic Context of the West of Walney Marine Protected Area

Deepen your understanding of marine conservation landscapes by examining the West of Walney site. Explore how this expansive Irish Sea habitat integrates with regional energy infrastructure and protected seabed zones through the MoriAtlas mapping and data platform.

Global natural geography