Ayres Visitor Centre and Nature Trail

About the reserve

The Visitor Centre sits within the sand dunes, an area which stretches 8 kilometres from Cronk-y-Bing to the Point of Ayre. A site of major ecological significance, parts having been designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest and as a National Nature Reserve. Leading from the shingle beach, the marked Nature Trail winds through the marram dunes and onto the expanse of heath with its extensive lichen flora. The beach provides a great walk too, with plenty of birds to watch including diving gannets, if you're lucky. You might even spot an occasional seal. The Trust established the Centre and Nature Trail to increase public understanding of this vulnerable area and to provide information about its birds, habitats and rare plant communities. A short film beautifully illustrating some of the natural highlights of the surrounding area can be viewed in the Centre. A wooden platform was erected in 2012 to enhance viewing along the coastline and out to sea.