The Ayres National Nature Reserve

The Ayres runs along the northern coast as a belt of shingle ridges, dune and heath behind the beach, and its distinctive habitat is the lichen heath, a low grey crust of lichens growing on stabilised shingle that is rare and easily destroyed by trampling. Little terns and ringed plovers nest on the shingle in summer under warden protection. A small visitor centre opens in season and paths are marked to keep people off the nesting ground.

The landscape

• The lichen heath - the grey crust of lichens on stabilised shingle behind the beach.
• The tern colony - little terns nesting on the shingle under warden protection.
• The dune belt - the sand and marram running behind the shore.
• The visitor centre - the seasonal interpretation point on the reserve.

When to go

April to August covers the nesting season and the visitor centre opening. Areas are roped off while birds are nesting. Winter leaves only the walking.

Good to know

Nesting areas are closed off through the summer and dogs are restricted. The lichen heath is destroyed by walking on it and paths must be kept to. The visitor centre opens only in season.

Nearby

Point of Ayre is east, and Ballaugh Curraghs is southwest.