Ayres National Nature Reserve

EVENT - Nest Monitoring on the Ayres NNR

The Ayres has high densities of nesting birds.  Monitoring of nests is undertaken (under license) to check on egg predation and chick outcome.  This event is part of Manx Wildlife Week.  Find the details here.  

EVENT - Find out about the Tern species found on the Isle of Man

Find out about the tern species that visit the Isle of Man in the summer and help make the Ayres so special.  This event is part of Manx Wildlife Week.   Find the details here.

'Dog's on lead' reminder 1st April to 31st July 2026

Dog walkers are reminded that dog's must be on leads from 1st April to 31st July to comply with the Ayres NNR byelaws to enable ground nesting birds to raise their chicks.  Find out more here.

SELF GUIDED WALK - MWT Ayres Nature Discovery Centre to the Point of Ayre

A map and wildlife information can be found here.  This is a lovely walk with views of the Mull of Galloway and the Isle of Whithorn and plenty of wildlife to see along the way.

SELF GUIDED WALK - Discover the wetlands on the Ayres NNR

See the map and wildlife information to discover the wetland areas on the Ayres NNR.  The sallows are full of singing warblers early in the morning in spring.

2025 AYRES NNR ROUNDUP

Find out how species of conservation concern did on the Ayres NNR in 2025

Photo:  Shore Lark ❤️, a rare visitor to the Isle of Man, taken by Peter Christian in November 2025 at the Ayres

2024 Ayres NNR Roundup

Find out how the species of conservation concern did on the Ayres NNR in 2024 here  

Volunteer Opportunities at the Ayres NNR

There are multiple benefits to spending time in nature.  Find out more about the various volunteer opportunities at the Ayres NNR here.

Ayres NNR leaflet

Click here to view the Ayres NNR leaflet. The leaflet provides information on the special habitats and wildlife found on the reserve.  

Ayres NNR Nature Discovery Trail

You can embark on the family friendly Ayres Nature Discovery Trail when visiting the NNR, taking you through various habitats where you can see and hear lots of wonderful wildlife. Click here for more information on the Nature Discovery Trail. 

Ayres NNR map

Find your way around the NNR by clicking here for a map. Please adhere to the information provided on the signs on site and stay on the main paths. 

Ayres NNR wildlife information

View our updated signs providing information about the wildlife found at the Ayres NNR and other facts here.

Ayres NNR Byelaws and Code

Click here to read the Ayres NNR Byelaws and Code.

West Coast Marine Nature Reserve

The marine environment off the Ayres National Nature Reserve is designated a Marine Nature Reserve.  Read the West Coast Marine Nature Reserve leaflet to find out about the special wildlife that lives there.

West Coast MNR Spotters Sheet

Use the West Coast Marine Nature Reserve spotters sheet to explore the coastline.  How many of the ten species can you find?