Castletown Bay, Langness and Derbyhaven

Sandy bay, weed-covered rocks, saltmarsh, low cliffs, golf course, rocky islet and intertidal mud. Adjacent airfield.The entire area from Scarlett Quarry in the west to the flying club north of Derbyhaven and as far as the Langness car park at SC284660 is well served by roads. Best areas are around the isthmus to Langness and include Sandwick - the eastern extremity of sand in Castletown Bay - south past the Pool to the car park and the intertidal mud separating Derbyhaven from its breakwater. During winter this is one of the best places to see a Chough flock at close range. Just south of Derbyhaven take the right-hand fork for Langness and almost at once when the road turns left, keep straight ahead along a sandy, motorable track which follows the coast closely from Sandwick southwards for about a quarter of a mile before rejoining the lighthouse road. Watching from a car can be very rewarding, particularly at high tide. Grey Plover, Knot, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, both godwits, Whimbrel, Greenshank, Sandwich Tern (passage). Wildfowl (Brent Goose now annual), Golden Plover, Short- eared Owl, Chough and in Derbyhaven divers and grebes (winter).Rarities have included Little Egret (several years), Temminck’s Stint, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher and Calandra Lark.