A series of walks looking a creatures living along the Solway Coast will begins next week.

Ann Lingard's low-tide walks will explore the Solway's newest marine conservation zone at Allonby Bay.

The first event takes place on Wednesday, April 18, starting at 8am.

Further events will take place on June 17, August 12, August 14 and September 12.

The walks are usually free, and last about two hours, and dogs and children are welcome.

Places are limited and should be reserved by visiting www.solwayshorestories.co.uk/shore-walker/shore-walks-schedule or calling 016973 21967.

Ann, a novelist, scientist and former creative writing tutor, will also run a creative writing workshop on May 19 from 10am to 4pm for aspiring and practising writers, on behalf of Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

It will take place at the RSPB’s Campfield Reserve near Bowness-on-

Solway, with part of the day spent on the saltmarsh and the remainder

indoors in the Solway Wetlands Centre where writers can chat about what has inspired them and, with the help of a few writing exercises, think how they might write a piece of fiction or non-fiction about the saltmarsh and the Solway Firth.

Ann said: "The saltmarshes form the fringes of the Upper Solway. From the shore they look fairly flat and perhaps uninteresting, but once you are out there, amongst the creeks and unusual plants, and see what wildlife, both large and small, lives on the marsh, you can begin to understand what unusual and important places they are. To experience their space, and sense their history, is very special."

For more details on the creative writing evnt visit www.cumbriawildifetrust.org.uk or call 01539 816300.