The Langness Peninsula

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This ecologically rich area also lies within the original Isle of Man Wild Bird Sanctuary (1936), is recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA, 2007), and forms part of the UNESCO Biosphere Core Zone (2016). The surrounding foreshore and seas are protected as the Langness Marine Nature Reserve (MNR, 2018).

Langness supports a diverse mix of habitats, including coastal grassland, saltmarsh, intertidal mudflats, sand and shingle shores, and both shallow and deep marine waters. These habitats make it one of the Island’s most important wintering sites for birds.
Of the 332 bird species recorded in the Isle of Man, 202 have been seen here, including:

• 68 Schedule 1 species (IOM Wildlife Act 1990)
• 30 Red-listed species, 26 of which have bred
• 19 Amber-listed species

Commonly seen species include Little Egret, Knot, Godwits, Whimbrel, Short-eared Owl, Golden Plover, and Pale-bellied Brent Goose — the only wintering site for this species on the Island. Rarities such as Temminck’s Stint, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, and Calandra Lark have also been recorded.
Winter also offers one of the best chances to see Choughs feeding along the strandline.

Langness is the only location in the British Isles where the Lesser Mottled Grasshopper—typically found in France—can be found. The area also supports common frogs, common lizards, and at least 15 butterfly species, including Red Admiral, Painted Lady, and Clouded Yellow.

• Little Egret
• Knot
• Godwits
• Whimbrel
• Short-eared Owl
• Golden Plover
• Pale-bellied Brent Goose
• Choughs (winter)

Rarities include:

• Temminck’s Stint
• Buff-breasted Sandpiper
• Calandra Lark