In 2021 Cumbria Wildlife Trust reported that a predator-proof fence had protected chicks at the reserve.

[10] South Walney Nature Reserve is open daily 10am to 5pm (4pm in winter).

The SSSI is contiguous with two other SSSIs: Both the Duddon Estuary and Morecambe Bay were designated Special Protection Areas (a protected area under the European Union Birds Directive).

In 2016, before the United Kingdom European Union membership referendum, there were consultations on a successful proposal that Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary be combined in a new SPA.

The combined SPA includes a marine extension west of Walney Island to protect foraging areas of terns.