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Geography of the Isle of Man

Article Discussion

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The Isle of Man is an island in the Irish Sea, between Great Britain and Ireland in Northern Europe, with a population of almost 85,000. It is a British Crown dependency. It has a small islet, the Calf of Man, to its south. It is located at Template:Coord.

DimensionsEdit

File:Isle of Man by Sentinel-2.jpg
Satellite image

Area:


Land: Template:Convert
Water: Template:Convert (100 ha)
Total: Template:Convert

This makes it:

Coast and territorial seaEdit

The Isle of Man has a coastline of Template:Convert, and a territorial sea extending to a maximum of 12 nm from the coast, or the midpoint between it and other countries. The total territorial sea area is about 4000 km2 or 1500 sq miles, which is about 87% of the total area of the jurisdiction of the Isle of Man. The Isle of Man only holds exclusive fishing rights in the first 3 nm. The territorial sea is managed by the Isle of Man Government Department of Infrastructure.

The Raad ny Foillan long-distance footpath runs Template:Convert around the Manx coast.

ClimateEdit

The Isle of Man enjoys a temperate climate, with cool summers and mild winters. Average rainfall is high compared to the majority of the British Isles, due to its location to the western side of Great Britain and sufficient distance from Ireland for moisture to be accumulated by the prevailing south-westerly winds. Average rainfall is highest at Snaefell, where it is around Template:Convert a year. At lower levels, it can fall to around Template:Convert a year.

Temperatures remain fairly cool, with the recorded maximum being Template:Convert at Ronaldsway.

TerrainEdit

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File:Isle of Man Terrain - Snaefell Mountain View - kingsley - 24-JUN-09.jpg
Some of the island's mountainous terrain as viewed from Snaefell, the island's highest peak.
File:IsleOfMan2021OSM.png
Enlargeable, detailed map of the Isle of Man

The island's terrain is varied. There are two mountainous areas divided by a central valley which runs between Douglas and Peel. The highest point in the Isle of Man, Snaefell, is in the northern area and reaches Template:Convert above sea level. The northern end of the island is a flat plain, consisting of glacial tills and marine sediments. To the south, the island is more hilly, with distinct valleys. There is no land below sea level.

Land useEdit

  • Arable land: 43.86%
  • Permanent crops: 0%
  • Other: 56.14% (includes permanent pastures, forests, mountain and heathland) (2011)

Natural hazards and environmental issuesEdit

There are few severe natural hazards, the most common being high winds, rough seas and dense fog. In recent years there has been a marked increase in the frequency of high winds, heavy rains, summer droughts and flooding both from heavy rain and from high seas. Snow fall has decreased significantly over the past century while temperatures are increasing year-round with rainfall decreasing.

Air pollution, marine pollution and waste disposal are issues in the Isle of Man.

Protected or recognised sites for nature conservationEdit

In order of importance, international first, non-statutory last. Note that ASSIs and MNRs have equal levels of statutory protection under the Wildlife Act 1990.

UNESCO Biosphere ReservesEdit

Ramsar sitesEdit

File:Snaefell.jpg
A view up a glen with Snaefell at the head

Designated:

Candidate:

Important Marine Mammal AreasEdit

In 2024, the IUCN Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force recognised that 17,610km2 of the central Irish Sea as being of global importance for marine mammals, known as the Central Irish Sea Important Marine Mammal Area. This includes about half of Manx marine territorial waters.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Important Bird AreasEdit

The UK RSPB and UK JNCC have designated five areas of the Isle of Man which are of global significance to birdlife.<ref>RSPB/JNCC (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, 540pp</ref>

National Nature ReservesEdit

Areas of Special Scientific ImportanceEdit

There are 25 ASSIs on the Isle of Man as of November 2022. One additional ASSI has been designated but later rescinded (Ramsey Estuary). Dates below refer to year of formal confirmation.

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Marine Nature ReservesEdit

The Island's first marine nature reserve was designated in Ramsey Bay in October 2011.<ref name="Notification letter">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2018, nine further Marine Nature Reserves were given statutory protection. The ten Marine Nature Reserves around the Isle of Man cover over 10% of the country's territorial waters, in accordance with international requirements.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Eelgrass Conservation Zones (Statutory – within MNRs)Edit

Eelgrass Zostera marina is a legally protected species on the Isle of Man.<ref>https://www.legislation.gov.im/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1990/1990-0002/WildlifeAct1990_3.pdf Template:Webarchive Template:Bare URL PDF</ref> Between 2011 and 2018, four strictly protected Eelgrass Conservation Zones have been designated to protect this important species.<ref>https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/entertainment/marine-life-column-an-eelgrass-bed-can-repair-itself-given-time-and-space-654229 Template:Bare URL inline</ref>

Eelgrass Voluntary Zones (Non-statutory – both in and outside MNRs)Edit

In 2023, three existing statutory Eelgrass Conservation Zones were expanded on a voluntary basis (noting that, regardless of this 'voluntary' status, the species is still legally fully protected from reckless disturbance), with a further new site identified.<ref>https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/entertainment/marine-life-column-an-eelgrass-bed-can-repair-itself-given-time-and-space-654229 Template:Bare URL inline</ref>

  • Ramsey Bay - a considerably larger area than the statutory zone (2023)
  • Langness - Derbyhaven Bay, northwest of Fort Island, separate from the Fort Island Gully statutory site (2023)
  • Laxey Bay - a considerably larger area than the statutory zone (2023)
  • Bulgham Bay - discovered in 2021, the only Eelgrass Voluntary Zone outside of an MNR (2023)

Areas of Special ProtectionEdit

  • Ayres Gravel Pit designated 2001, 41 hectares.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2019 this became a nature reserve managed by Manx BirdLife.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Bird SanctuariesEdit

Bird sanctuaries were formerly designated by that name under the Wild Birds Protection Act 1932. This designation was superseded by "Areas of Special Protection for Birds" under the Wildlife Act 1990; however, the following formerly designated Bird Sanctuaries remain protected:

  • Barnell Reservoir (Patrick) (1979) 0.02 km2<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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  • Tynwald National Park and Arboretum (1982)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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  • Derbyhaven, Langness and Fort Island and foreshores adjoining (1936)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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  • Renscault and Ballachrink (West Baldwin) (1978) 0.18 km2<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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  • The Willows (Ballamodha, Malew) (1984) 0.01 km2<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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Registered HeathlandEdit

Protected from unlicensed burning or destruction by the Heath Burning Act 2003.

  • Ballacowin (part DEFA, part private: Glen Ruy, Slieau Lhost Area)
  • Ballaugh Mountain (DEFA)
  • Beary Mountain (including the Twelve Shares; private, multiple owners)
  • Bienn y Phott (DEFA)
  • Bradda (part DEFA, part private)
  • Calf of Man (MNH)
  • Carraghyn (Private)
  • Central Hills ASSI (DEFA)
  • Creg ny Baa (part DEFA, part private Slieau Lhost and Slieau Meayl)
  • Cringle Great Park (DEFA)
  • Cronk ny Arrey Laa (DEFA)
  • Cross Vein, Watertrough Park and Glen Rushen (DEFA)
  • Dalby Mountain (Private, multiple owners)
  • Glen Auldyn (Private)
  • Greeba Mountain (DEFA)
  • Injebreck (Private)
  • Lanagore and Eary Cushlin (DEFA and MNH)
  • Maughold Mountain (DEFA)
  • Michael Hills (DEFA)
  • Mull (Meayll) Hill (Private)
  • Mullagh Ouyr (Private)
  • North Barrule (MUA)
  • Peel Hill (Private and Peel Commissioners)
  • Slieau Lhean (DEFA)
  • Slieau Lhost and Slieau Ree (DEFA)
  • Slieau Managh (DEFA)
  • Slieau Whallian (Private)
  • Snaefell (DEFA)
  • South Barrule (DEFA)
  • Surby (DEFA)
  • Chasms and Spanish Head (MNH)
  • The Rheast (DEFA)
  • Windy Common (DEFA)

Nature Reserves and Wildlife SitesEdit

Manx Wildlife Trust ReservesEdit

Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) was founded on 6 March 1973 and is the Isle of Man’s leading nature conservation charity.

As of May 2025, MWT manages 32 nature reserves, including the Calf of Man which is managed with and on behalf of Manx National Trust. These reserves total Template:Convert, or around 2% of the Isle of Man and include:

Name Acquired Area Notes
Aust 2016 Template:Convert
Ballachrink 2011 Template:Convert Part of the Renscault & Ballachrink Bird Sanctuary
Ballachurry 2016 Template:Convert
Ballamooar Meadow 1994 Template:Convert
Barnell Reservoir 1974 & 1984 Template:Convert Part of the Ballamoar Bird Sanctuary (Patrick)
Billown 2023 Template:Convert Includes Rosehill Quarry ASSI
Breagle Glen and Cronk Aash 1988, 1991 & 2010 Template:Convert
Calf of Man N/A Template:Convert Owned by Manx National Trust, co-managed in partnership with Manx Wildlife Trust since 2006. Candidate Ramsar site
Close e Quayle 1994 & 2003 Template:Convert
Close Sartfield 1987 Template:Convert Part of the Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI and Ramsar Site
Close Umpson 1995 Template:Convert Part of the Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI and Ramsar Site
Cooildarry 1976 & 1979 Template:Convert
Creg y Cowin 2023 Template:Convert
Cronk y Bing 1989 Template:Convert An Area of Special Scientific Interest
Curragh Feeagh 1986 Template:Convert
Curragh Kiondroghad (Onchan Community Wetlands) 1988 & 1990 Template:Convert
Dalby Mountain 1995 & 2024 Template:Convert Candidate Ramsar site, Part of the "Isle of Man Hills" Important Bird & Biodiversity Area
Dalby Mountain Fields 1995 Template:Convert Part of the "Isle of Man Hills" Important Bird & Biodiversity Area
Dobbie's Meadow 2013 Template:Convert
Earystane 1998 Template:Convert
Fell's Field 1998 Template:Convert
Glen Auldyn 2025 Template:Convert Part of the "Isle of Man Hills" Important Bird & Biodiversity Area
Glen Dhoo 1995 Template:Convert
Glion Darragh 2024 Template:Convert
Goshen 1995, 1998, 2008 & 2023 Template:Convert Part of Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI and Ramsar Site
Hairpin Woodland Park 2019, 2022, 2024 & 2024 Template:Convert
Lough Cranstal 1989 & 2022 Template:Convert Candidate Ramsar site
Lough Gat e Whing 2016 Template:Convert
Miss Guyler's Meadow 1989 Template:Convert
Moaney & Crawyn's Meadows 1995 Template:Convert Part of the Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI and Ramsar Site
Mullen e Cloie 2008 Template:Convert
The Keyllagh 2024 Template:Convert
Total Template:Convert This represents approximately 2% of the Isle of Man's land area (57,198ha)

Designated Wildlife SitesEdit

The Isle of Man has (as of March 2023) 92 non-statutory 'Wildlife Sites' covering Template:Convert in addition to the 10.4 km of coastline. As of 30 January 2009 this total was 45 wildlife sites, covering about 195 ha of land and an additional Template:Convert of inter-tidal coast. Wildlife Sites are not recognised in law, but are recognised in terms of Government policy, including planning and zonation (by the Isle of Man Strategic Plan) and agricultural policy (under Cross Compliance regulations). Wildlife Sites are shown on the MANNGIS Island Environment map.

Other Nature ReservesEdit

Manx National Trust LandholdingsEdit

The following properties are under the protection of Manx National Heritage. The Manx National Trust owns properties in 15 of the 17 Manx parishes (all except Jurby and Michael).

  • Andreas: Ballakeil, Kerroogarroo
  • Arbory: Ballayack, building at the Friary
  • Ballaugh: Ballaugh Curragh
  • Braddan: Marine Drive, Braddan Pinfold
  • Bride: The Ayres: Ballakesh, Ballawhannel
  • Lezayre: Vollan Fort, The Grove, Killabrega, Sulby Glen
  • Lonan: Ballacowle, Bulgham, Laxey Wheel, Gretch Veg, King Orry's Grave, Laxey Head, Cronk y Chule
  • Malew: Silverdale Glen, Hango Hill, St Michael's Isle, Rushen Abbey, Castle Rushen
  • Marown: Upper Ballaharry, The Braid
  • Maughold: Maughold Head, Maughold Brooghs, Gob ny Rona, Maughold Green, Baldromma, Port Lewaigue, Ballaterson, Dhoon, Port e Vullen
  • Onchan: Scollag Road
  • Patrick: Eary Cushily, Ennin Moar, Creggan Mooar, Peel Castle, Niarbyl, Doarlish Mooar, Knockuskey
  • Rushen: Cregneash, Chasms, Kitterland, Shenvalley, Meayll Hill, Sugarloaf, Calf of Man, Church Farm, Glen Chass, Rheast Mooar, Fistard, The Sound
  • Santon: The Broogh Fort

GeologyEdit

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The majority of the island is formed from highly faulted and folded sedimentary rocks of the Ordovician period. There is a belt of younger Silurian rocks along the west coast between Niarbyl and Peel, and a small area of Devonian sandstones around Peel. A band of Carboniferous period rocks underlies part of the northern plain, but is nowhere seen at the surface; however similar age rocks do outcrop in the south between Castletown, Silverdale and Port St Mary. Permo- Triassic age rocks are known to lie beneath the Point of Ayre but, as with the rest of the northern plain, these rocks are concealed by substantial thicknesses of superficial deposits.<ref>British Geological Survey 1:50,000 scale Special map sheet Isle of Man BGS 2001</ref>

The island has significant deposits of copper, lead and silver, zinc, iron, and plumbago (a mix of graphite and clay).<ref>Template:Harvcolnb Mines</ref> There are also quarries of black marble, limestone flags, clay schist, and granite.<ref>Template:Harvcolnb Quarries</ref> These are all modern, and there was no noticeable exploitation of metals or minerals before the modern era.

DemographicsEdit

File:Cmglee Douglas Isle of Man aerial view.jpg
Aerial view of Douglas and the southern half of the Isle of Man

The island has a census-estimated population of 84,497 according to the most recent 2011 census: up from 79,805 in 2006 and 76,315 in 2001.

The island's largest town and administrative centre is Douglas, whose population is 23,000 – over a quarter of the population of the island. Neighbouring Onchan, Ramsey in the north, Peel in the west and the three southern ports of Castletown, Port Erin and Port St Mary are the island's other main settlements. Almost all its population lives on or very near the coast.

See alsoEdit

CitationsEdit

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ReferencesEdit

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