Internationally important for its wildlife, particularly the extremely rare lichen dominated heath, the Ayres stretches from Blue Point in the west to the Point of Ayre in the east. Manx National Heritage owns a small but representative part, including marram grass-covered dune and ‘gaelic’ heath, the latter characterised by its mix of heather and low-growing western gorse. Orchids and Burnet Rose are specialities, and the dunes are home to many species of burrowing beetles and solitary wasps and bees. Visitors are asked to take great care not to disturb the colonies of nesting terns on the beach.

Location: The Ayres National Nature Reserve which stretches across the north of the Island from just west of the Point of Ayre to Rue Point.

Ordinance Survey Grid Reference: 436034

Directions: Follow the A10 road from Bride Village towards The Lhen / Jurby. Turn right along the first (unclassified) road on the right which leads north past Ballaghennie Farm to the Ayres Visitor Centre.