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Geography of the Isle of Man

Coordinates: 54°15′N 4°30′W / 54.250°N 4.500°W / 54.250; -4.500
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Isle of Man
Ellan Vannin (Manx)
Topographic map of the Isle of Man
Isle of Man is located in British Isles
Isle of Man
Isle of Man
Geography
LocationNorthwestern Europe
Coordinates54°15′N 4°30′W / 54.250°N 4.500°W / 54.250; -4.500
ArchipelagoBritish Isles
Adjacent toIrish Sea
Area572 km2 (221 sq mi)
Coastline160 km (99 mi)
Highest elevation621 m (2037 ft)
Highest pointSnaefell
Administration
Largest townDouglas (pop. 23,000)
Demographics
Population79,805 (2006)
Pop. density139.52/km2 (361.36/sq mi)
Ethnic groupsManx

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 54°15′N 4°30′W / 54.250°N 4.500°W / 54.250; -4.500.

Dimensions

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Satellite image

Area:


Land: 571 km2 (220 sq mi; 57,100 ha)
Water: 1 km2 (0.4 sq mi) (100 ha)
Total: 572 km2 (221 sq mi; 57,200 ha)

This makes it:

Coast and territorial sea

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The Isle of Man has a coastline of 160 km (99 mi), 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 153 km (95 mi) around the Manx coast.

Climate

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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 1,900 mm (74.8 in) a year. At lower levels, it can fall to around 800 mm (31.5 in) a year.

Temperatures remain fairly cool, with the recorded maximum being 28.9 °C (84.0 °F) at Ronaldsway.

Terrain

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Main article: Hills and mountains of the Isle of Man
Some of the island's mountainous terrain as viewed from Snaefell, the island's highest peak.
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 620 metres (2,034 ft) 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 use

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

Natural hazards and environmental issues

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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 conservation

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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 Reserves

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Ramsar sites

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A view up a glen with Snaefell at the head

Designated:

  • Ballaugh Curraghs UK21001 (2006, 193.4 ha). Has the same boundaries as the Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI.[1]

Candidate:

Important Marine Mammal Areas

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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.[12]

Important Bird Areas

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The UK RSPB and UK JNCC have designated five areas of the Isle of Man which are of global significance to birdlife.[13]

National Nature Reserves

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Areas of Special Scientific Importance

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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.

Marine Nature Reserves

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The Island's first marine nature reserve was designated in Ramsey Bay in October 2011.[15][16] 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.[17][18]

Eelgrass Conservation Zones (Statutory – within MNRs)

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Eelgrass Zostera marina is a legally protected species on the Isle of Man.[19] Between 2011 and 2018, four strictly protected Eelgrass Conservation Zones have been designated to protect this important species.[20]

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

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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. [21]

  • 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 Protection

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Bird Sanctuaries

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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[24]
  • Tynwald National Park and Arboretum (1982)[25]
  • Derbyhaven, Langness and Fort Island and foreshores adjoining (1936)[26]
  • Renscault and Ballachrink (West Baldwin) (1978) 0.18 km2[27]
  • The Willows (Ballamodha, Malew) (1984) 0.01 km2[28]

Registered Heathland

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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 Sites

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Manx Wildlife Trust Reserves

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Manx Wildlife Trust was founded on 6 March 1973 and manages 30 nature reserves, including the Calf of Man which is managed in conjunction with the landowner Manx National Trust. As of November 2024, these reserves total 551.44 ha (1,362.6 acres), or around 1% of the Isle of Man and include:

Name Acquired Area Notes
Aust 2016 4.20 ha (10.4 acres)
Ballachrink 2011 10.08 ha (24.9 acres) Part of the Renscault & Ballachrink Bird Sanctuary
Ballachurry 2016 1.67 ha (4.1 acres)
Ballamooar Meadow 1994 0.39 ha (0.96 acres)
Barnell Reservoir 1974 & 1984 1.57 ha (3.9 acres) Part of the Ballamoar Bird Sanctuary (Patrick)
Billown 2023 1.66 ha (4.1 acres) Includes Rosehill Quarry ASSI
Breagle Glen and Cronk Aash 1988, 1991 & 2010 0.85 ha (2.1 acres)
Calf of Man 262.34 ha (648.3 acres) Owned by Manx National Trust, co-managed by Manx Wildlife Trust since 2005. Candidate Ramsar site
Close e Quayle 1994 & 2003 3.98 ha (9.8 acres)
Close Sartfield 1987 12.34 ha (30.5 acres) Part of the Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI and Ramsar Site
Close Umpson 1995 0.66 ha (1.6 acres) Part of the Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI and Ramsar Site
Cooildarry 1976 & 1979 6.17 ha (15.2 acres)
Creg y Cowin 2023 43.25 ha (106.9 acres)
Cronk y Bing 1989 7.23 ha (17.9 acres) An Area of Special Scientific Interest
Curragh Feeagh 1986 2.39 ha (5.9 acres)
Curragh Kiondroghad (Onchan Community Wetlands) 1988 & 1990 0.49 ha (1.2 acres)
Dalby Mountain 1995 & 2024 45.24 ha (111.8 acres) Candidate Ramsar site
Dalby Mountain Fields 1995 4.26 ha (10.5 acres)
Dobbie's Meadow 2013 4.08 ha (10.1 acres)
Earystane 1998 0.72 ha (1.8 acres)
Fell's Field 1998 1.16 ha (2.9 acres)
Glen Dhoo 1995 9.62 ha (23.8 acres)
Glion Darragh 2024 70.34 ha (173.8 acres)
Goshen 1995, 1998, 2008 & 2023 18.92 ha (46.8 acres) Part of Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI and Ramsar Site
Hairpin Woodland Park 2019, 2022, 2024 & 2024 25.54 ha (63.1 acres)
Lough Cranstal 1989 & 2022 6.70 ha (16.6 acres) Candidate Ramsar site
Lough Gat e Whing 2016 1.75 ha (4.3 acres)
Miss Guyler's Meadow 1989 1.23 ha (3.0 acres)
Moaney & Crawyn's Meadows 1995 0.96 ha (2.4 acres) Part of the Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI and Ramsar Site
Mullen e Cloie 2008 1.14 ha (2.8 acres)
Total 533.96 ha (1,319.4 acres) This represents approximately 1% of the Isle of Man's land area (57,198ha)

Designated Wildlife Sites

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The Isle of Man has (as of March 2023) 92 non-statutory 'Wildlife Sites' covering 1,230.54 hectares (3,040.7 acres) 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 10.5 km (6.5 mi) 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 Reserves

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Manx National Trust Landholdings

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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

Geology

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Main article: Geology of the Isle of Man

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.[29]

The island has significant deposits of copper, lead and silver, zinc, iron, and plumbago (a mix of graphite and clay).[30] There are also quarries of black marble, limestone flags, clay schist, and granite.[31] These are all modern, and there was no noticeable exploitation of metals or minerals before the modern era.

Demographics

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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 also

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Citations

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  1. ^ http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21001BallaaughCurragh2.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  2. ^ a b c d e Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS)
  3. ^ a b c d e Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies
  4. ^ http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21002TheAyres2.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  5. ^ http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts0a.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  6. ^ http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts1a.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  7. ^ http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts2a.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  8. ^ http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts3a.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  9. ^ http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21004CentralValleyCurragh2.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  10. ^ http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21005GobNyRonaMaugholdHd2.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  11. ^ http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21006DalbyPeatlands2.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  12. ^ "Central Irish Sea IMMA".
  13. ^ RSPB/JNCC (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, 540pp
  14. ^ "Isle of Man Government – Grenaby Garey announced as 22nd Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)". gov.im. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  15. ^ "Re: Ramsey Marine Nature Reserve Zoning Plan" (PDF). Ramsey.gov.im. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 August 2013. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  16. ^ "Wildlife Act 1990 Ramsey Bay (Marine Nature Reserve) (Designation) Order 2011" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 March 2012. Retrieved 8 January 2012.
  17. ^ "Isle of Man Government – Marine Nature Reserves".
  18. ^ "The New Isle of Man 0-3 nm Marine Nature Reserves" (PDF). Isle of Man Government. 2018. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  19. ^ https://www.legislation.gov.im/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1990/1990-0002/WildlifeAct1990_3.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  20. ^ https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/entertainment/marine-life-column-an-eelgrass-bed-can-repair-itself-given-time-and-space-654229 [bare URL]
  21. ^ https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/entertainment/marine-life-column-an-eelgrass-bed-can-repair-itself-given-time-and-space-654229 [bare URL]
  22. ^ "Statutory Document No. 769/01. WILDLIFE ACT 1990: AYRES GRAVEL PIT (BRIDE) AREA OF SPECIAL PROTECTION FOR BIRDS ORDER 2001" (PDF). tynwald.org.im.
  23. ^ "Manx BirdLife Point of Ayre Reserve – Manx BirdLife".
  24. ^ "Barnell Reservoir (Patrick)".
  25. ^ "Tynwald National Park and Arboretum".
  26. ^ "Derbyhaven, Langness and Fort Island and foreshores adjoining".
  27. ^ "Renscault and Ballachrink (West Baldwin)".
  28. ^ "The Willows (Ballamodha, Malew)".
  29. ^ British Geological Survey 1:50,000 scale Special map sheet Isle of Man BGS 2001
  30. ^ Cumming 1861:27–28 Mines
  31. ^ Cumming 1861:28 Quarries

References

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