All Year: Daily
Visitor Centre (End of May - End of Sept): Tuesday - Sunday, 2pm - 5pm
Disabled:
Access Limited
Location:
Bride
Parking:
Ample in Car Park
Size:
272 hectares, 670 acres
Suitable:
All
Type:
Coastal
History
The Ayres is the newest part of the Isle of Man with its raised beach
formed 5000 years ago. Coastline sand dunes mix with coarse Marram grass
which stablises the loose sand and allows other plant species to grow.
Marram is also known as bent and was used to thatch cottages. Gorse
is a dominate plant in the area and can be see in many different types.
Many birds can be seen along the reserve, including Gannets, oyster-catchers,
cormorants and ring plovers. Whales, basking sharks and grey seals can
sometimes be spotted off the coast.
Location
In the north of the Island, near Bride.
By Vehicle:
Along the A10 between Bride and Ballaugh, take a narrow road to the
coast. The site is marked with a small sign on the A10.
By Bus:
Not accessible by bus.
By Railway:
Not accessible by the railways.
Visiting
A great place to walk, especially in the summer. The beach has soft golden
sand and is an easy place to walk along. There are well marked paths through
the reserve and during the summer months the reserve visitor centre is open
complete with warden. Best way to find out more about what goes on around the
nature reserve.
Related News Articles
Ayres Wildlife showcased on BBC Radio 17 September 2008 The wildlife treasures of the Isle of Man were brought to a radio audience throughout Britain last week, when BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Living World’ broadcast a programme devoted to the Ayres. [More]
A Bumper Year For Little Terns 13 September 2006 2006 has been a bumper year for Little Terns at the Ayres National Nature Reserve (NNR). [More]
