The island is connected to the mainland via a shingle and rock causeway which was built in Victorian times as a tidal protection measure.

The maximum elevation on the island is no more than 10 feet (3 metres) above the high tide level.

Foulney is a bird sanctuary and is included in the South Walney & Piel Channel Flats Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

[2] During the summer months the island is wardened and visitors are discouraged from walking in the nesting areas.

There is some concern locally that damage might be done to the nesting sites if these activities continue to expand.