Survey of Stubborn & Ferrier Sand cockle beds & mussel beds, The Wash

The Wash is one of the largest protected sites in the country, exceeding 60,000ha in area and has exceptional wildlife importance. It is the largest embayment in the UK and has the second largest expanse of mud and sandflats after Morecambe Bay. It has the largest colony of common seal in England and is by far the most important estuary for wintering waterbirds in the UK – supporting over 300,000 birds. This importance is recognised and protected through its designation within The Wash and North Norfolk Coast Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and as a Special Protection Area (SPA), Ramsar Site, National Nature Reserve (NNR) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).