Mike, Walney is a very well established birding location and has had a bird observatory at it's southern most tip since 1964. Come to think of it, I've seen some very impressive rarities there over the years

Mike there is a Walney Island thread - most recent entry 24 August 2010

just returned today from a weekend visiting the lakes. all the usual subjects you would expect. however the highlight was WALNEY ISLAND at BARROW IN FURNESS. an absolute must for any bird watcher experienced or otherwise. without going into too much detail there are all the relevant waders, peregrine,sparrowhawk,plovers, unidentified stuff with which with a little more time[on my way home] would have been fascinating. it is a fantastic site believe me. its about 2hrs 15 mins from us so it is a full day job, however you can get a very pleasant bb for 25 quid. anyboby else discoverd walney, regards mike