Plans for a new nature hub at Earnse Bay in Walney, Cumbria, have been approved by Westmorland and Furness Council following modifications to address community concerns. The proposed Earnse Bay Outdoor Centre will include a family camping area, a community café with toilet facilities, and an environmental education center.
The council’s vision for the hub is to provide a gateway for visitors to explore the natural environment of the Earnse Bay area. Council leader Jonathan Brook described the development as a base for exploring Walney’s distinctive ecological landscape.
The Earnse Bay Outdoor Centre aligns with previous plans for the development of a multi-functional community and environmental hub in Walney, as outlined earlier this year. The original vision included a mix of sports, leisure, and educational facilities aimed at enhancing outdoor access and community engagement.
The project is part of the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal, with funding of £2.64 million allocated to transform the existing scrubland and a disused changing room into a vibrant community space.
According to BBC, local feedback played a significant role in shaping the final plans. Concerns from West Shore residents about potential noise from the camping area prompted the council to relocate it farther from residential zones.
The space between the camping area and nearby homes will be converted into wildflower meadows to enhance biodiversity and provide a buffer zone.
The site will also feature an environmental education center, built by Natural England, which will include workshops, classrooms, meeting spaces, and serve as an operational hub for the North Walney National Nature Reserve. The center is expected to support environmental learning and conservation efforts in the region.
Additional features of the project include the creation of hedgerows, mixed scrub, and grasslands aimed at attracting wildlife such as house sparrows and lizards. The café will double as a local shop, further serving the needs of visitors and the surrounding community.
The council has highlighted the project’s potential to enhance access to nature while promoting environmental education and sustainability.
