This estuary of intertidal sand and mud flats is sheltered by a stabilized shingle bar and an extensive sandy beach flanked by reclaimed marshy fields and saltmarshes. The abundance of macroinvertebrates in the intertidal flats provides an important feeding resource for waterbirds including Ireland’s national bird, the northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus). Internationally important numbers of waterbirds winter at the Site, including more than one percent of the regional population of the black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa). The estuary is important for storm protection and provides natural filtration services which are important for coastal water quality. The spread of the invasive common cordgrass (Spartina anglica) has negatively impacted the ecological character of the mudflats and saltmarshes.