Manx campaign to save area of significant ecological importance

The northern most point on the Isle of Man (Mannin) is the Point of Ayre (Manx: Kione ny h-Ayrey). It is the closest point on the Isle of Man to the island of Britain, being some 16 miles (26 kilometres) south of Burrow Head in Scotland. The name Ayre comes from the Norse word Eyrr meaning gravel bank. A name that reflects the Scandinavian influences after the arrival of the Vikings on the Isle of Man at the end of the 8th century. Resulting in a mix of Norse and Gaelic place names throughout the Island. 

An area known as the Ayres stretches southwest from the Point of Ayre. It is an area of significant ecological importance and includes the Ayres National Nature Reserve.  The Manx Wildlife Trust and the Ayres Nature Reserve manage some of the area and provide information to the public about the habitats, rare birds and plants on the Ayres. Parts are designated as areas of Special Scientific Interest and it has also recently gained Dark Sky status. One of 26 on the Island where low light pollution offers perfect views of the night skies. 

This part of the island is an important and vulnerable area with a combination of shingle, dunes and heath very different from other coasts on the Isle of Man. The area is of great ecological importance, home to some of the Island's rarest plants. It is therefore shocking that there is a proposed development of a static caravan site at the Glen Truan Golf Course right next to the National Nature Reserve on the Ayres. Such a development will place the Ayres at risk of long-term damage. Campaigners are calling for urgent help in stopping this development and asking people to object to the planning proposal. Objections can be registered until the 6th of October 2017 with the planning office and to make sure Manx MHKs (members of the Manx parliament) and the people of the Isle of Man are aware of what is proposed. Further information can be read on the Save the Ayres website.