Nature on the Isle of Man
Nature is abundant on the Isle of Man with an excellent variety flora and fauna, some rare and some exclusive to the island.The environment varies from secluded glens to windswept mountain tops. Some of the most popular nature attractions and activities are shown below from walking and mountain biking to visiting an animal sanctuary.
Tynwald National Park and Arboretum
Tynwald National Park and Arboretum forms an attractive, natural backdrop to Tynwald Hill. The 25 acres contain a wide range of ornamental and native tree species. A specially constructed shelter and picnic area commands a panormaic view over St Johns. Children will enjoy feeding the friendly ducks and hens that live in the vicinity of the large pond.
Location: St Johns
Tariff: Free entry
Parking: Ample
Ayers Visitor Centre
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, Bride
Open: May - September. Daily except Mondays
Tariff: Free entry
Parking: Ample
Disabled access: Limited Access
Landline: 01624 801985
Bishopscourt glen
Bishopscourt glen lies on the A3 just north of Kirk Michael on the famous T.T. course. The Glen was formerly part of the private garden belonging to the Bishops of Sodor and Man who resided at Bishop's Court opposite the glen's entrance. Many features such as the small lakes created from mill ponds were developed by previous Bishops and their families, in particular by Lady Murray, wife of Bishop Murray. At the entrance is an artificial mound named "Mount Aeolus" created by Bishop Hildesley to commemorate Captain Elliott`s victory over the French off the Manx coast on 28th February 1760.
Location: Kirk Michael
Open: All Year
Tariff: Free entry
Parking: Available
Disabled access: Limited Access
Calf of Man
The Calf of Man is a 616 acre islet lying across the Sound off the Island's south west tip, below the hillside village of Cregneash. It is a bird sanctuary and nature reserve managed by Manx National Heritage and has a resident warden and a bird observatory. The cliffs and springy turf are nesting grounds for chough, Manx shearwater and other species. It is possible to visit the Calf during summer months, weather and visitor numbers permitting. There are several boat trips daily from Port Erin in the summer, allowing you several hours on the Island. Bird observatory dormitory accommodation - limited, but can be booked through Manx National Heritage on 01624 648000.
Location: The Sound
Open: April - September. Cruises from 10.00 and at other times, weather permitting
Tariff: Fares charged
Parking: Ample
Disabled access: Not Suitable
Landline: 01624 832339
Cooill y Ree
Cooill y Ree is situated to the west of Tynwald Hill. A walk through the sunken Park leads through natural vegetation representing thickets which were gradually cleared during the Celtic and Viking periods. As the Island became more intensely managed so the landscaping becomes more formalised and trees and exotic, woody shrubs appear. The natural vegetation is managed in such a way as to encourage a variety of wildlife such as butterflies, birds, lizards, as well as feeding bats. The Common Spotted Orchid is present towards the east end of the site. These attractive white and deep pink flowers appear in August and can grow up to 2ft in height. They are protected under the Wildlife Act 1990.
Location: St Johns
Tariff: Free entry
Parking: Ample
Disabled access: Limited Access
Countryside Heritage Assets
Some of the best scenery in the Isle of Man can be found on the many Manx National Heritage Countryside Assets. From the dry heathlands at the Ayres to the sea bird lined roughened cliffs at the Chasms and the Calf of Man. Over time man has shaped and formed the land on which they live but today the wildlife on these sites is protected for future generations to enjoy and experience.
Location: Various
Open: Daily
Parking: Varies
Disabled access: Limited Access
Landline: 01624 648000
Curraghs Wildlife Park
The park's natural wetland environment is a haven for endangered wetland wildlife from around the world. There are more than 100 species of birds and animals, of which many rare species are part of international breeding programmes. Animals and birds displayed in geographical walk-through enclosures so that you see them as you would in the wild. Other attractions include a nature trail and butterfly trail of Manx wildlife, the Rainforest Theatre and the Orchid Line minature railway.
Location: Ballaugh
Open: Summer opening times, 10:00 - 18:00.
Weekend opening in winter, 10:00 - 16:00
Tariff: Entrance charged
Parking: Ample
Disabled access: Access and toilets
Landline: 01624 897323
Dhoon Glen
With its splendid waterfalls and natural beauty it has long been a favourite for amateur photographers. Dhoon Glen is one of the steepest glens in the Isle of Man running for over half a mile through a wooded valley that follows the stream, to the shore. The main path follows an old cart road and meanders through a dense canopy of trees. Ash, wych elm and alder dominate with significant numbers of sycamore, birch and mountain ash also present.
Location: Maughold
Open: All Year
Tariff: Free entry
Disabled access: Limited Access
Guided walks
Explore some of the Isle of Man�s most secret and stunning locations with John �Dog� Callister as your guide. John Dog spent his childhood in the lovely countryside of the north of the Island, learning the names of the trees, flowers, birds and trees. Join John Dog in guided walks around the Curragh and other areas of natural beauty and interest.
Tariff: Depends on the length of the walk
Landline: 01624 878509
Home of rest for old horses
Set in 92 acres of open countryside, this is home to 50 retired horses and donkeys. With excellent facilities, well maintained by volunteer staff, this is a great place to visit. The horses are not shy and really enjoy the company of visitors. Children love to feed them. Buy something to feed them from the gift shop and you will help support the venture and also stop the horses feeling hungry!. The location is picturesque with excellent views of the surrounding countryside. Refreshments are available from the cafe and a small museum gives details of the centre's history.
Location: Richmond Hill, Douglas
Open: 17th May - 17th September, Monday - Friday, 10.00 - 16.00
Tariff: Free entry
Parking: Ample
Disabled access: Access.
Landline: 01624 674594
Mann cat sanctuary
The Sanctuary is a registered Manx charity, in a pleasant country setting. It provides a comfortable home to numerous cats and kittens. You may even see a tail-less Manx cat. There are also many other animals living at the Sanctuary including rabbits, sheep, ponies, ducks and goats. Giftshop. On bus route.
Location: Main Road, Santon
Open: 1st April - 30th September, Wednesdays & Sundays, 14.00 - 17.00. 1st
October - 31st March, Sundays only, 14.00 - 17.00
Tariff: Free entry
Parking: Ample
Disabled access: Limited (please phone ahead)
Landline: 01624 824195
Email: cats@manncat.com
Pennybridge Stables
Pennybridge Stables welcome bookings for private lessons, semi-private lessons and class lessons (maximum six students per class). Qualified, enthusiastic staff are happy to instruct novice and experienced riders in enjoyable and fun lessons. Children are well catered for, progressing from 30 minute beginners lessons to pony days, when parents can drop their children off for 5 hour sessions. Beach and county hacks.
Location: Kirk Michael
Open: Closed Fridays
Tariff: �13 per half hour lesson (children only), �22 per 1 hour class lesson (adult and children), �30 per private lesson, hacks from �25
Parking: Ample
Landline: 01624 878859
Scarlett Visitor Centre
Scarlett has spectacular geological formations with pavement-like limestone strata near the visitor centre contrasting with the rugged volcanic rocks in the vicinity of the Stack. There is a disused limestone quarry and old limekilns. A great variety of birds can be seen at Scarlett including shag, cormorant, gulls and auks. Waders and ducks include oystercatchers, ringed plover, turnstone, mallard and shelduck.The Visitor Centre contains books and gifts.
Location: Scarlett Point, Castletown
Open: May to September. Daily except Monday 14.00 - 17.00
Tariff: Free entry
Parking: Ample
Disabled access: Very limited Access
Landline: 01624 801985
Silverdale glen
Most Manx residents and visitors will have fond memories of time spent at Silverdale which has provided attractions for all the family for generations. The current complex includes caf�, restaurant, shops and boating lake together with a children`s playground including a unique and magnificent Victorian water powered roundabout and to the north, a large grassy paddock which allows space for games and picnicking.
Location: Silverdale Glen, Ballasalla
Open: Open daily from 1st March
Tariff: Free entry. Some activities charged
Parking: Ample
Disabled access: Limited Access. Toilets
Landline: 01624 823474
Wildflower garden
The Manx Wildlife Trust's Wildflower Garden is the place to sit and relax, less than 100 yards from the hustle and bustle of Tynwald Mills Shopping Centre. Surround yourself with some of the most beautiful native flora in the Isle of Man. This award winning garden is cared for by the Wildflowers of Mann project team and is a showcase for wildflower gardening techniques.
Location: St Johns
Open: Open all year, 09.00 - 17.00
Tariff: Free entry
Parking: Ample
Disabled access: Accessible
Landline: 01624 801985
PTGH wish to thank Visit Isle of Man for their help in providing the above information. 10/03/08
