Large Shallow Inlets and Bays

Inlets and bays are characterised by large indentations of the coast that are relatively shallow (water less than 30m over most of the area) and have little freshwater influence. They experience more sheltered conditions compared to the open coast, comprising complexes of interdependent subtidal and intertidal sandy habitats that are used extensively by feeding birds and other marine creatures.

Large shallow inlets and bays are a designated interest feature of the Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast SAC. Whilst predominantly rocky, the North Northumberland coastline has three characteristic, sediment-dominated bays – Budle Bay, Beadnell Bay and Embleton Bay – which form one of the most extensive areas of sand flats between the Firth of Forth and the Wash. Each area is relatively exposed and uniform in nature and is characterised by some of the richest crustacean/polychaete and bivalve/polychaete biotopes in the North East of England. The extensive areas of clean sand support dense populations of the heart urchin (Echinocardium cordatum) and razor clams (Ensis siliqua and Ensis arcuatus).