Clints Quarry is a fascinating place not only for wildlife, but for the geology and industrial archaeology including the well preserved lime kilns, which is still noticeable across the nature reserve. The site contains a variety of different habitats from damp marshes, grasslands, forest and water features, both natural and man-made.

Ennerdale Water is the most westerly lake of the Lake District and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also one of the most remote of the lakes in the Lakes District and the only one without a road running around it. .