NATURE RESERVES

History of Point of Ayre
National Reserve

NATURE RESERVES

History of Point of Ayre National Reserve

From wasteland to natural gem

Located at the northernmost tip of the Isle of Man

Located at the northernmost tip of the Isle of Man, the Manx BirdLife Point of Ayre National Reserve sits within the historic headland of the Point of Ayre. For over 40 years, the site was used for mineral extraction, leaving behind a vast open-water lagoon — now the reserve’s defining feature.

The vision for the reserve began with Chris Sharpe, then Managing Director of Manx Bird Atlas (later Manx BirdLife), who saw the potential to transform this former quarry into a world-class sanctuary for birds, plants, and invertebrates.

For more than 20 years, Manx BirdLife worked in close partnership with Island Aggregates Ltd, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), and others. This collaboration led to the restoration of the first 42.5 hectares (105 acres) of exhausted quarry land for nature conservation.

In 2019, Manx Birdlife achieved this long-held ambition when a long-term lease agreement with Island Aggregates marked the birth of the Manx BirdLife Point of Ayre National Reserve.

A Reserve Takes Shape

In the five years since the charity signed the lease, significant progress has been made to reshape the landscape for both people and wildlife.

In 2020, the appointment of a dedicated Reserve Manager allowed on-the-ground restoration work to begin. Before trails and infrastructure could be installed, the site had to be made safe for visitors — including the removal of large quantities of concrete, scrap metal, and other remnants of its industrial past.

Today, visitors can enjoy a growing network of trails, scenic viewpoints, and the popular Collister birdwatching hide.

A newly built, migration-themed welcome area — crafted with beautiful Manx stone — now provides a sheltered focal point for visitors arriving at the reserve.

For wildlife, habitat creation has been central

Additional shallow pools have been excavated and nest islands created. Further habitat has created by floating tern rafts out onto the main lagoon. These are already proving successful with common tern attempting to breed in 2024 (not currently breeding on the island) showing the true value of the work.

But this is just the beginning

Over the next 25 years, the reserve will expand to more than 450 acres as additional quarry compartments are restored.

The goal is ambitious!

To create a nationally significant refuge for birds, plants, and invertebrates — and a place where people can connect deeply with nature.

Please support our vital work

However you wish to help wild birds and the places in which they live – whether by sending us your bird records, donating, volunteering or supporting our education activities – we look forward to working with your support to make a difference.

Please support our vital work

However you wish to help wild birds and the places in which they live – whether by sending us your bird records, donating, volunteering or supporting our education activities – we look forward to working with your support to make a difference.

Turnstones on a rock