Ayres Nature Discovery Centre

Ayres

Paul Etherton

Gannet in flight

Gillian Day

Ayres Nature Discovery Centre

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An important stretch of low-lying sand dune coastline, great for walking and bird watching.

Location

Ballaghennie Road
Bride
A static map of Ayres Nature Discovery Centre

Know before you go

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Access

The approach route is via s single track road with passing places off the A10 coast road; part is fairly bumpy with repaired potholes. The car park is tarmacked; it does not have designated spaces for Blue Badge holders but it is rarely full.

Access to the NDC building is via a wide door and a ramp over the 5cms lip is being considered to make wheelchair access easier.  There is sufficient space inside to enable wheelchair users and those with impaired mobility to move around the shop, displays and watch a short video (seating with chairs and benches). The portaloo is not adapted for use; the nearest accessible public toilet is in Bride car park. Assistance dogs are welcome. Refreshments are not available – the nearest café is Bride Tea Rooms.

Interpretative signage has clear black text on a white background; the video has subtitles and no spoken commentary.  Artifacts can be handled with care.

Access to the beach is via a narrow boardwalk suitable for those using walking sticks. A bench on a platform linking the boardwalk to the beach overlooks the seascape.

The Viewing Tower has wide steps and a good handrail so is accessible to those using walking sticks.

There are level grass paths allowing access around the National Nature Reserve but care is needed to avoid holes left by rabbits and other wildlife. Access will also depend on weather conditions, for example,  there is often flooding during the winter.

Dogs

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Dogs must be kept on leads no longer than 3m long from 1st April to 31st July which is bird nesting season

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Facilities

Toilets
Shop

When to visit

Opening times

Open daily 1pm to 4pm from Saturday 28th April 2024 to Sunday 15th September 2024.

Best time to visit

May to September

About the reserve

The Ayres National Nature Reserve (NNR) and Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) is owned by the Isle of Man Government and Manx National Heritage. The MWT Ayres Nature Discovery Centre has interpretation and a video which explains the many habitats on site, from sand dunes to lichen heath and the plants and animals which make this place their home.  Grass paths and a Nature Trail guide visitors through the site and families can borrow a Nature Discovery rucksack, full of equipment and suggestions for activities. Wildlife highlights include diving Gannets and seals out at sea and singing Skylarks and carpets of wildflowers in summer.  A viewing platform with binoculars can be accessed year round.  On site NNR signage explain the byelaws which are in force to protect the area and more information can be found at www.gov.im

Contact us

Manx Wildlife Trust
Contact number: 01624 844432
Contact email: enquiries@mwt.im