Natural England reported on 6 October 2026 that construction had begun on its new Beach School and Work Base at Earnse Bay, described as a milestone in creating a coastal community hub for Barrow-in-Furness. Contractors Integra Buildings arrived on site that week, on 5 October, to start groundworks.

The £1.95 million building, funded by Defra, is to serve as a headquarters for managing North Walney National Nature Reserve, known for sand dunes, dune heath and saltmarsh supporting wildlife including breeding waders, rare plants and the natterjack toad. It would also house the Earnse Project, a partnership involving Natural England, Westmorland and Furness Council, Art Gene and Cumbria Wildlife Trust, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

According to the report, the building forms the final phase of the wider Earnse Bay development, delivered with Westmorland and Furness Council using Brilliant Barrow Town Deal funds. The site was to remain closed to the public during construction, with part of the public car park cordoned off and signage in place. Claire Argent, Natural England's Deputy Director for Cumbria, and Art Gene director Maddi Nicholson welcomed the start of work.