Sunbiggin Tarn is an isolated small lake on the minor road between Orton and Little Asby in a dramatic location with wonderful views. It is a great spot just to stop and admire, or to go on a walk up on to the limestone scar of Little Asby.
The lake is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because it is an important biological site supporting two extremely rare snail species and is a vital breeding and over-wintering area for a number of bird species. These include a very large colony of black headed gulls and several species of waterfowl also breed around the tarns or on the moor. These are wigeon, teal, tufted duck, gadwall and mallard. Other breeding species of note include little grebe, sedge warbler and water rail, with the wetlands also being well used by lapwing, curlew, redshank and snipe.
