Ayres National Nature Reserve: 2025 Roundup

2025 was another eventful year at the Ayres National Nature Reserve (NNR), with encouraging progress for some species and challenges for others. Read the full roundup document here. 

Below are some notable successes, challenges and highlights:  

• Curlew, a red-listed species, continued its remarkable recovery. 26 pairs attempted to breed, with at least 14 successfully fledging young - a significant improvement from fewer than ten pairs in 2012. Of those 12 which were unsuccessful, most were at the chick stage and likely to be due to predation, but overall, the curlew population is growing and benefits other species such as little terns by deterring predators over a wide area. 
• Oystercatcher numbers remained stable, with 33 breeding pairs recorded between Rue Point and the Point of Ayre. Egg predation was low, though clutch sizes were smaller than in previous years, suggesting food availability was less than optimal. 
• For little terns, the season began with first arrivals in April and peaked with 26 active nests in June. Despite low egg predation and good hatching rates, success was hampered by poor weather and birds of prey. Ultimately, 26 pairs produced 16 fledged young – fewer than the number needed to sustain the population.  
• Arctic terns faced a tough year. Around 40 pairs nested, but none fledged young due to heavy chick predation by herring gulls. Redesigned shelters are planned for 2026 to improve survival rates. 
• Among waders, ringed plovers held steady with 26 monitored nests and additional territories identified. Surveys also recorded strong numbers of skylark, meadow pipit, and stonechat, while linnets formed small colonies across the reserve.
• Notably, kestrels were absent during the breeding season for the first time since 1998, though they returned later. 
• Invertebrate highlights included sightings of the rare scarce crimson and gold moth and heath beefly, alongside 30 nationally scarce species thriving in the reserve’s sandy soils. Plant discoveries added to the excitement of 2025, with hare’s-foot clover reappearing after nearly two decades and a new colony of early purple orchid extending its range. 
• Three grey seal pups were born on the beach at the Point of Ayre in 2025 - the first ever record of pupping here. 

The Ayres NNR is a core area of our UNESCO Biosphere – the core areas being those of highest protection, providing a haven for biodiversity, but its delicate balance depends on continued monitoring, habitat management, and public care. Find out more, including how to help and volunteeer at the Ayres, on this page.