Geography of the Isle of Man#Marine Nature Reserves

File:Isle of Man by Sentinel-2.jpg

Area:

Land:

{{convert|571|km2|sqmi+ha|abbr=on}}

Water:

{{convert|1|km2|sqmi|1|abbr=on}} (100 ha)

Total:

{{convert|572|km2|sqmi+ha|abbr=on}}

This makes it:

• slightly more than three times the size of Washington, D.C.
• slightly more than one-third the size of Hertfordshire
• slightly smaller than Saint Lucia.

The Isle of Man has a coastline of {{convert|160|km|mi|abbr=on}}, and a territorial sea extending to a maximum of 12 nm from the coast, or the midpoint between it and other countries. The total territorial sea area is about 4000 km² or 1500 sq miles, which is about 87% of the total area of the jurisdiction of the Isle of Man. The Isle of Man only holds exclusive fishing rights in the first 3 nm. The territorial sea is managed by the Isle of Man Government Department of Infrastructure.

The Raad ny Foillan long-distance footpath runs {{convert|153|km|mi|abbr=on}} around the Manx coast.

The Isle of Man enjoys a temperate climate, with cool summers and mild winters. Average rainfall is high compared to the majority of the British Isles, due to its location to the western side of Great Britain and sufficient distance from Ireland for moisture to be accumulated by the prevailing south-westerly winds. Average rainfall is highest at Snaefell, where it is around {{convert|1900|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} a year. At lower levels, it can fall to around {{convert|800|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} a year.

Temperatures remain fairly cool, with the recorded maximum being {{convert|28.9|°C}} at Ronaldsway.

{{Main|Hills and mountains of the Isle of Man}}

File:Isle of Man Terrain - Snaefell Mountain View - kingsley - 24-JUN-09.jpg, the island's highest peak.]]

File:IsleOfMan2021OSM.png

The island's terrain is varied. There are two mountainous areas divided by a central valley which runs between Douglas and Peel. The highest point in the Isle of Man, Snaefell, is in the northern area and reaches {{convert|620|m|ft|0}} above sea level. The northern end of the island is a flat plain, consisting of glacial tills and marine sediments. To the south, the island is more hilly, with distinct valleys. There is no land below sea level.

• Arable land: 43.86%
• Permanent crops: 0%
• Other: 56.14% (includes permanent pastures, forests, mountain and heathland) (2011)

There are few severe natural hazards, the most common being high winds, rough seas and dense fog. In recent years there has been a marked increase in the frequency of high winds, heavy rains, summer droughts and flooding both from heavy rain and from high seas. Snow fall has decreased significantly over the past century while temperatures are increasing year-round with rainfall decreasing.

Air pollution, marine pollution and waste disposal are issues in the Isle of Man.

In order of importance, international first, non-statutory last. Note that ASSIs and MNRs have equal levels of statutory protection under the Wildlife Act 1990.

• The entire territory of the Isle of Man, including all land, sea, freshwater, airspace and seabed is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

File:Snaefell.jpg

Designated:

• Ballaugh Curraghs UK21001 (2006, 193.4 ha). Has the same boundaries as the Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI.http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21001BallaaughCurragh2.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}

Candidate:

• The Ayres UK21002 (Proposed in 2004 & 2005, 600 ha)[http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21IsleOfMan.pdf Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS)][http://ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/RamsarUKOTCDRepShort054.pdf Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies]http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21002TheAyres2.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}
• Southern Coasts & Calf of Man UK21003 (Proposed in 2004 & 2005, 2326 ha)http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts0a.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts1a.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts2a.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts3a.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}
• Central Valley Curragh UK21004 (Proposed in 2004 & 2005, 164 ha)http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21004CentralValleyCurragh2.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}
• Gob ny Rona, Maughold Head & Port Cornaa UK21005 (Proposed in 2004 & 2005, 209 ha)http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21005GobNyRonaMaugholdHd2.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}
• Dalby Peatlands UK21006 (Proposed in 2004 & 2005, 58 ha)http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21006DalbyPeatlands2.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}

In 2024, the IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force recognised that 17,610km2 of the central Irish Sea as being of global importance for marine mammals, known as the Central Irish Sea Important Marine Mammal Area. This includes about half of Manx marine territorial waters.{{cite web | url=https://www.marinemammalhabitat.org/factsheets/central-irish-sea-imma/ | title=Central Irish Sea IMMA }}

The UK RSPB and UK JNCC have designated five areas of the Isle of Man which are of global significance to birdlife.RSPB/JNCC (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, 540pp

• Isle of Man Sea Cliffs – 97 km of the east and west coasts
• Calf of Man – 250 ha
• The Ayres – c. 800ha
• Ballaugh Curraghs – 374 ha
• Isle of Man Hills – 8650 ha

• The Ayres (2000, 272 ha)

There are 25 ASSIs on the Isle of Man as of November 2022. One additional ASSI has been designated but later rescinded (Ramsey Estuary). Dates below refer to year of formal confirmation.

• Ballachurry Meadows (2010, 11.9 ha)
• Ballacrye Meadow (2005, 0.55 ha)
• Ballateare Meadow (2014, 0.96 ha)
• Ballaugh Curraghs (2005, 193.4 ha)
• Central Ayres (1996, 259.66 ha, extended 2008 by 98.68 ha, total 358.35 ha)
• Cronk y Bing (2006, 17.71 ha)
• Cronk y King (2014, extended in 2021 to 3.02 ha)
• Curragh Pharrick (2022, 4.02 ha)
• Dalby Coast (2010, 62.1 ha)
• Dhoon Glen (2007, 20.92 ha)
• Douglas Head (2022)
• Eary Vane (2007, 3.96 ha)
• Glen Maye (2008, 15.92 ha)
• Glen Rushen (2007, 12.27 ha)
• Greeba Mountain & Central Hills (2009, 1,080.95 ha)
• Grenaby Gareys (2021, 74.82 ha){{Cite web|title=Isle of Man Government – Grenaby Garey announced as 22nd Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)|url=https://www.gov.im/news/2019/may/07/grenaby-garey-announced-as-22nd-area-of-special-scientific-interest-assi/|website=gov.im|access-date=2020-05-20}}
• Jurby Airfield (2005, 63.04 ha)
• Langness, Derbyhaven & Sandwick (2001, 310 ha)
• Marine Drive (2021, 82.35 ha)
• Maughold Cliffs & Brooghs (2011, 53.63 ha)
• Port St Mary Ledges & Kallow Point (2011, 14.79 ha)
• Poyll Vaaish Coast (2007, 44.76 ha)
• Ramsey Estuary (designated but later rescinded in 2010; 15.8 ha)
• Ramsey Mooragh Shore (2006, 2.65 ha)
• Rosehill Quarry, Billown (2006, 1.37 ha)
• Santon Gorge & Port Soldrick (2012, 24.35 ha)

The Island's first marine nature reserve was designated in Ramsey Bay in October 2011.{{cite web|url=http://ramsey.gov.im/Upload/Files/Ramsey%20Marine%20Nature%20Reserve%20Zoning%20Plan.pdf|title=Re: Ramsey Marine Nature Reserve Zoning Plan|website=Ramsey.gov.im|access-date=4 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801110126/http://ramsey.gov.im/Upload/Files/Ramsey%20Marine%20Nature%20Reserve%20Zoning%20Plan.pdf|archive-date=1 August 2013}}{{Cite web |url=http://extranet.tynwald.org.im/SD/2011/2011-SD-0760.pdf |title=Wildlife Act 1990 Ramsey Bay (Marine Nature Reserve) (Designation) Order 2011 |access-date=8 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306022431/http://extranet.tynwald.org.im/SD/2011/2011-SD-0760.pdf |archive-date=6 March 2012 }} In 2018, nine further Marine Nature Reserves were given statutory protection. The ten Marine Nature Reserves around the Isle of Man cover over 10% of the country's territorial waters, in accordance with international requirements.{{Cite web | url=https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/environment-food-and-agriculture/ecosystem-policy-and-energy/wildlife-biodiversity-and-protected-sites/protected-sites/marine-nature-reserves/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318185643/https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/environment-food-and-agriculture/ecosystem-policy-and-energy/wildlife-biodiversity-and-protected-sites/protected-sites/marine-nature-reserves/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=18 March 2020 | title=Isle of Man Government – Marine Nature Reserves }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.im/media/1362700/mnr-q-and-as-august-2018.pdf|title=The New Isle of Man 0-3 nm Marine Nature Reserves |website=Isle of Man Government |date=2018| access-date=24 October 2020}}

• Ramsey Bay 2011
• Baie ny Carrickey 2018
• Calf and Wart Bank 2018
• Douglas Bay 2018
• Langness 2018
• Laxey Bay 2018
• Little Ness 2018
• Niarbyl Bay 2018
• Port Erin Bay 2018
• West Coast 2018

Eelgrass Zostera marina is a legally protected species on the Isle of Man.https://www.legislation.gov.im/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1990/1990-0002/WildlifeAct1990_3.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201154718/http://www.legislation.gov.im/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1990/1990-0002/WildlifeAct1990_3.pdf |date=1 December 2023 }} {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}} Between 2011 and 2018, four strictly protected Eelgrass Conservation Zones have been designated to protect this important species.https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/entertainment/marine-life-column-an-eelgrass-bed-can-repair-itself-given-time-and-space-654229 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}

• Ramsey Bay MNR - Port Lewaigue & Ballure area (2011)
• Baie ny Carrickey MNR - east of Gansey Point (2018)
• Langness MNR - Fort Island Gully (2018)
• Laxey Bay MNR - east of Gob ny Silvas (2018)

In 2023, three existing statutory Eelgrass Conservation Zones were expanded on a voluntary basis (noting that, regardless of this 'voluntary' status, the species is still legally fully protected from reckless disturbance), with a further new site identified.https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/entertainment/marine-life-column-an-eelgrass-bed-can-repair-itself-given-time-and-space-654229 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}

• Ramsey Bay - a considerably larger area than the statutory zone (2023)
• Langness - Derbyhaven Bay, northwest of Fort Island, separate from the Fort Island Gully statutory site (2023)
• Laxey Bay - a considerably larger area than the statutory zone (2023)
• Bulgham Bay - discovered in 2021, the only Eelgrass Voluntary Zone outside of an MNR (2023)

• Ayres Gravel Pit designated 2001, 41 hectares.{{cite web |url=http://www.tynwald.org.im/links/tls/SD/2001/2001-SD-0769.PDF |title=Statutory Document No. 769/01. WILDLIFE ACT 1990: AYRES GRAVEL PIT (BRIDE) AREA OF SPECIAL PROTECTION FOR BIRDS ORDER 2001 |website=tynwald.org.im}} In 2019 this became a nature reserve managed by Manx BirdLife.{{Cite web |url=http://manxbirdlife.im/point-of-ayre/ |title=Manx BirdLife Point of Ayre Reserve – Manx BirdLife}}

Bird sanctuaries were formerly designated by that name under the Wild Birds Protection Act 1932. This designation was superseded by "Areas of Special Protection for Birds" under the Wildlife Act 1990; however, the following formerly designated Bird Sanctuaries remain protected:

• Barnell Reservoir (Patrick) (1979) 0.02 km²{{Cite web | url=https://www.protectedplanet.net/barnell-reservoir-patrick-bird-sanctuary-under-the-wild-birds-protection-act-1932 |title = Barnell Reservoir (Patrick)}}
• Tynwald National Park and Arboretum (1982){{Cite web | url=https://www.protectedplanet.net/tynwald-national-park-and-arboretum-bird-sanctuary-under-the-wild-birds-protection-act-1932 | title=Tynwald National Park and Arboretum}}
• Derbyhaven, Langness and Fort Island and foreshores adjoining (1936){{Cite web | url=https://www.protectedplanet.net/derbyhaven-langness-and-fort-island-and-foreshores-adjoining-bird-sanctuary-under-the-wild-birds-protection-act-1932 |title = Derbyhaven, Langness and Fort Island and foreshores adjoining}}
• Renscault and Ballachrink (West Baldwin) (1978) 0.18 km²{{Cite web | url=https://www.protectedplanet.net/renscault-and-ballachrink-west-baldwin-bird-sanctuary-under-the-wild-birds-protection-act-1932 | title=Renscault and Ballachrink (West Baldwin)}}
• The Willows (Ballamodha, Malew) (1984) 0.01 km²{{Cite web | url=https://www.protectedplanet.net/the-willows-ballamodha-malew-bird-sanctuary-under-the-wild-birds-protection-act-1932 |title = The Willows (Ballamodha, Malew)}}

Protected from unlicensed burning or destruction by the Heath Burning Act 2003.

• Ballacowin (part DEFA, part private: Glen Ruy, Slieau Lhost Area)
• Ballaugh Mountain (DEFA)
• Beary Mountain (including the Twelve Shares; private, multiple owners)
• Bienn y Phott (DEFA)
• Bradda (part DEFA, part private)
• Calf of Man (MNH)
• Carraghyn (Private)
• Central Hills ASSI (DEFA)
• Creg ny Baa (part DEFA, part private Slieau Lhost and Slieau Meayl)
• Cringle Great Park (DEFA)
• Cronk ny Arrey Laa (DEFA)
• Cross Vein, Watertrough Park and Glen Rushen (DEFA)
• Dalby Mountain (Private, multiple owners)
• Glen Auldyn (Private)
• Greeba Mountain (DEFA)
• Injebreck (Private)
• Lanagore and Eary Cushlin (DEFA and MNH)
• Maughold Mountain (DEFA)
• Michael Hills (DEFA)
• Mull (Meayll) Hill (Private)
• Mullagh Ouyr (Private)
• North Barrule (MUA)
• Peel Hill (Private and Peel Commissioners)
• Slieau Lhean (DEFA)
• Slieau Lhost and Slieau Ree (DEFA)
• Slieau Managh (DEFA)
• Slieau Whallian (Private)
• Snaefell (DEFA)
• South Barrule (DEFA)
• Surby (DEFA)
• Chasms and Spanish Head (MNH)
• The Rheast (DEFA)
• Windy Common (DEFA)

Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) was founded on 6 March 1973 and is the Isle of Man’s leading nature conservation charity.

As of May 2025, MWT manages 32 nature reserves, including the Calf of Man which is managed with and on behalf of Manx National Trust. These reserves total {{convert|1015.68 |ha|acres|abbr=on}}, or around 2% of the Isle of Man and include:

The Isle of Man has (as of March 2023) 92 non-statutory 'Wildlife Sites' covering {{convert|1230.54|ha|acre|abbr=off}} in addition to the 10.4 km of coastline. As of 30 January 2009 this total was 45 wildlife sites, covering about 195 ha of land and an additional {{convert|10.5|km|mi|abbr=on}} of inter-tidal coast. Wildlife Sites are not recognised in law, but are recognised in terms of Government policy, including planning and zonation (by the Isle of Man Strategic Plan) and agricultural policy (under Cross Compliance regulations). Wildlife Sites are shown on the MANNGIS Island Environment map.

• Ballalough Reedbeds: {{convert|1.4|ha|acres|abbr=on}} managed by Castletown Commissioners
• Ballanette and Clay Head Brooghs: nature reserve, private but open to the public
• Snaefell Valley: nature reserve, private but open to the public
• Manx BirdLife Ayres National Reserve

The following properties are under the protection of Manx National Heritage. The Manx National Trust owns properties in 15 of the 17 Manx parishes (all except Jurby and Michael).

• Andreas: Ballakeil, Kerroogarroo
• Arbory: Ballayack, building at the Friary
• Ballaugh: Ballaugh Curragh
• Braddan: Marine Drive, Braddan Pinfold
• Bride: The Ayres: Ballakesh, Ballawhannel
• Lezayre: Vollan Fort, The Grove, Killabrega, Sulby Glen
• Lonan: Ballacowle, Bulgham, Laxey Wheel, Gretch Veg, King Orry's Grave, Laxey Head, Cronk y Chule
• Malew: Silverdale Glen, Hango Hill, St Michael's Isle, Rushen Abbey, Castle Rushen
• Marown: Upper Ballaharry, The Braid
• Maughold: Maughold Head, Maughold Brooghs, Gob ny Rona, Maughold Green, Baldromma, Port Lewaigue, Ballaterson, Dhoon, Port e Vullen
• Onchan: Scollag Road
• Patrick: Eary Cushily, Ennin Moar, Creggan Mooar, Peel Castle, Niarbyl, Doarlish Mooar, Knockuskey
• Rushen: Cregneash, Chasms, Kitterland, Shenvalley, Meayll Hill, Sugarloaf, Calf of Man, Church Farm, Glen Chass, Rheast Mooar, Fistard, The Sound
• Santon: The Broogh Fort

{{main|Geology of the Isle of Man}}

The majority of the island is formed from highly faulted and folded sedimentary rocks of the Ordovician period. There is a belt of younger Silurian rocks along the west coast between Niarbyl and Peel, and a small area of Devonian sandstones around Peel. A band of Carboniferous period rocks underlies part of the northern plain, but is nowhere seen at the surface; however similar age rocks do outcrop in the south between Castletown, Silverdale and Port St Mary. Permo- Triassic age rocks are known to lie beneath the Point of Ayre but, as with the rest of the northern plain, these rocks are concealed by substantial thicknesses of superficial deposits.British Geological Survey 1:50,000 scale Special map sheet Isle of Man BGS 2001

The island has significant deposits of copper, lead and silver, zinc, iron, and plumbago (a mix of graphite and clay).{{Harvcolnb|Cumming|1861|pp=27–28}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=jX0HAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA27 Mines] There are also quarries of black marble, limestone flags, clay schist, and granite.{{Harvcolnb|Cumming|1861|p=28}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=jX0HAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA28 Quarries] These are all modern, and there was no noticeable exploitation of metals or minerals before the modern era.

File:cmglee_Douglas_Isle_of_Man_aerial_view.jpg

The island has a census-estimated population of 84,497 according to the most recent 2011 census: up from 79,805 in 2006 and 76,315 in 2001.

The island's largest town and administrative centre is Douglas, whose population is 23,000 – over a quarter of the population of the island. Neighbouring Onchan, Ramsey in the north, Peel in the west and the three southern ports of Castletown, Port Erin and Port St Mary are the island's other main settlements. Almost all its population lives on or very near the coast.

• Towns in the Isle of Man
• List of rivers of the Isle of Man

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

{{Refbegin}}

• {{Citation

|last=Cumming

|first=Joseph George

|author-link=Joseph George Cumming

|year=1861

|title=A Guide to the Isle of Man

|publisher=Edward Stanford

|publication-date=1861

|location=London

|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jX0HAAAAQAAJ

}}

• {{cite web|url=http://www.gov.im/isleofman/geography.xml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030608211927/http://www.gov.im/isleofman/geography.xml|archive-date=8 June 2003|title=Isle of Man Government – Geography|date=8 June 2003|access-date=4 November 2018}}

{{Refend}}

• {{CIA World Factbook}}

{{Geography of Europe}}

{{Europe topic|Climate of}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Geography of the Isle of Man}}