Walney Island is located at the south-west point of Cumbria and the north-west point of Morecambe Bay. The island, which is joined to the mainland by a road bridge, is about 14km long and 2km wide at the widest part. The observatory compiles records from the whole island but activity is concentrated at the southern most tip where an 85 hectare Nature Reserve is maintained by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

In summer the area holds a large (more than 1,000 pairs) population of Eiders and one of the largest of Herring, Lesser Black-backed and Greater Black-backed Gulls in Europe. Studies into gull behaviour have been undertaken for over 30 years by various academic establishments, including Oxford University.

During winter large numbers of waders and wildfowl associated with the Morecambe Bay populations are recorded, while there are resident totals of more than 1,000 each of Teal and Wigeon.

Bird ringing utilises 6 helgoland traps at the south end and mist nets at the other parts of the island. Passerine ringing predominates and among 24 species of warbler caught have been Greenish, Booted, Subalpine and Paddyfield.

Visitors to Walney can gain direct access by car (taking the A590 from the M6) and are welcome to make day visits or take overnight or longer term accommodation.