The habitats consist of extensive tidal mudflats and saltmarsh, sand-dunes and grassland as well as open freshwater, scrub and woodland. Around 250 species of birds have been recorded in this area which is important for breeding species and waders and waterfowl during passage periods and in winter. Important speciesin the bay include Pink-footed Geese and waders especially Grey Plover and Sanderling. The freshwater pools attract passage waders and Garganey in spring when Osprey and Marsh Harrier may pass through in small numbers. Lesser Whitethroats and a few Grasshopper Warblers breed among the more numerous Whitethroats, Sedge and Willow Warblers. The site has various other nature conservation designations - SSSI, SPA and Ramsar.