[2] The SSSI is located in the hamlet of Salta, which is in the civil parish of Holme St. Cuthbert, in the Cumberland unitary authority area of Cumbria.

In addition to its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Salta Moss has some further legal protection due to this section of Solway Firth coastline being a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

[4] Known as the Solway Coast and headquartered at Silloth, the AONB runs from the estuaries of the rivers Esk and Eden (near Carlisle) to Skinburness, and again from Beckfoot to Crosscanonby along Allonby Bay.

These include Molinia caerulea, commonly known as purple moor grass, which is native to Great Britain and often seen on boggy or marshy ground.

[13] The main species noted by Natural England, and given as reasons for the SSSI designation, are as follows:[14][15] Vipera berus, commonly known as adders, are present on Salta Moss.

[18] Parts of the site provide shelter for roe deer, and breeding grounds for warblers,[19] and in addition many other species of wild birds are present, both migratory and nonmigratory.