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Geography of the Isle of Man

Coordinates:54°15′N4°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′N4°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

TheIsle of Manis anislandin theIrish Sea,betweenGreat BritainandIrelandinNorthern Europe,with a population of almost 85,000. It is a BritishCrown dependency.It has a smallislet,theCalf of Man,to its south. It is located at54°15′N4°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 aterritorial seaextending to a maximum of 12nmfrom the coast, or the midpoint between it and other countries. The total territorial sea area is about 4000 km2or 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 3nm.The territorial sea is managed by theIsle of Man GovernmentDepartment of Infrastructure.

TheRaad ny Foillanlong-distance footpath runs 153 km (95 mi) around theManxcoast.

Climate

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The Isle of Man enjoys atemperateclimate, with cool summers and mild winters. Average rainfall is high compared to the majority of theBritish Isles,due to its location to the western side of Great Britain and sufficient distance fromIrelandfor moisture to be accumulated by the prevailing south-westerly winds. Average rainfall is highest atSnaefell,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) atRonaldsway.

Terrain

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Main article:Hills and mountains of the Isle of Man
Some of the island's mountainous terrain as viewed fromSnaefell,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 betweenDouglasandPeel.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 glacialtillsand 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 densefog.In recent years there has been a marked increase in the frequency of high winds, heavy rains, summer droughts andfloodingboth from heavy rain and from high seas.Snowfall has decreased significantly over the past century while temperatures are increasing year-round withrainfalldecreasing.

Air pollution,marine pollutionandwaste disposalare 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 CurraghsUK21001 (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, theIUCNMarine Mammal Protected Areas Task Forcerecognised that 17,610km2 of the centralIrish Seaas being of global importance for marine mammals, known as theCentral Irish Sea Important Marine Mammal Area.This includes about half of Manx marine territorial waters.[12]

Important Bird Areas

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The UKRSPBand UKJNCChave 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 firstmarine nature reservewas designated inRamsey Bayin 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]

EelgrassConservation Zones (Statutory – within MNRs)

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EelgrassZostera marinais 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]

EelgrassVoluntary 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 Trustwas founded on 6 March 1973 and (as of May 2023) manages 30 nature reserves, including theCalf of Manwhich is managed with and on behalf ofManx National Trust.These reserves total 535.13 ha (1,322.3 acres), or around 1% of the Isle of Man and include:

Name Acquired Area Notes
Aust 2016 4.24 ha (10.5 acres)
Ballachrink 2011 9.97 ha (24.6 acres) Part of the Renscault & Ballachrink Bird Sanctuary
Ballachurry 2016 1.67 ha (4.1 acres)
Ballamooar Meadow 1994 0.45 ha (1.1 acres)
Barnell Reservoir 1974 & 1984 1.92 ha (4.7 acres) Part of the Ballamoar Bird Sanctuary (Patrick)
Billownincluding Rosehill Quarry ASSI 2023 1.66 ha (4.1 acres) Includes Rosehill QuarryASSI
Breagle Glen and Cronk Aashen 1988, 1991 & 2010 0.88 ha (2.2 acres)
Calf of Man 262.34 ha (648.3 acres) Owned byManx National Trust,managed by Manx Wildlife Trust since 2005. CandidateRamsar site
Close-e-Quayle 1994 & 2003 3.97 ha (9.8 acres)
Close Sartfield 1987 12.04 ha (29.8 acres) Part of theBallaugh CurraghsASSIand Ramsar Site
Close Umpson 1995 0.77 ha (1.9 acres) Part of the Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI and Ramsar Site
Cooildarry 1976 & 1979 8.51 ha (21.0 acres)
Creg-y-Cowin 2023 43.24 ha (106.8 acres)
Cronk-y-Bing 1989 7.13 ha (17.6 acres) AnArea of Special Scientific Interest
Curragh Feeagh 1986 2.33 ha (5.8 acres)
Curragh Kiondroghad(Onchan Wetlands) 1988 & 1990 0.48 ha (1.2 acres)
Dalby Mountain Moorland 1995 28.27 ha (69.9 acres) CandidateRamsar site
Dalby Mountain Fields 1995 4.26 ha (10.5 acres)
Dobbie's Meadow 2013 4.48 ha (11.1 acres)
Earystane 1998 0.64 ha (1.6 acres)
Fell's Field 1998 1.05 ha (2.6 acres)
Glen Dhoo 1995 9.49 ha (23.5 acres)
Glion Darragh 2024 70.01 ha (173.0 acres)
Goshen 1995, 1998, 2008 & 2023 19.60 ha (48.4 acres) Part of Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI and Ramsar Site
Hairpin Woodland Park 2019, 2022 & 2024 24.02 ha (59.4 acres)
Lough Cranstal 1989 & 2022 6.61 ha (16.3 acres) CandidateRamsar site
Lough Gat-e-Whing 2016 1.81 ha (4.5 acres)
Miss Guyler's Meadow 1989 1.21 ha (3.0 acres)
Moaney & Crawyn's Meadows 1995 0.94 ha (2.3 acres) Part of the Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI and Ramsar Site
Mullen-e-Cloie 2008 1.14 ha (2.8 acres)

Designated Wildlife Sites

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The Isle of Man has (as of March 2023) 92 non-statutory 'Wildlife Sites' 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 TrustLandholdings

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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 theOrdovicianperiod. There is a belt of youngerSilurianrocks along the west coast betweenNiarbyland Peel, and a small area ofDevoniansandstones around Peel. A band ofCarboniferousperiod 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,Silverdaleand Port St Mary.Permo-Triassicage 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 ofcopper,leadandsilver,zinc,iron,and plumbago (a mix ofgraphiteandclay).[30]There are also quarries of blackmarble,limestoneflags, clayschist,andgranite.[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 isDouglas,whose population is 23,000 – over a quarter of the population of the island. NeighbouringOnchan,Ramseyin the north,Peelin the west and the three southern ports ofCastletown,Port ErinandPort St Maryare 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:// ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21001BallaaughCurragh2.pdf
  2. ^abcdeInformation Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS)
  3. ^abcdeReview of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies
  4. ^http:// ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21002TheAyres2.pdf
  5. ^http:// ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts0a.pdf
  6. ^http:// ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts1a.pdf
  7. ^http:// ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts2a.pdf
  8. ^http:// ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts3a.pdf
  9. ^http:// ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21004CentralValleyCurragh2.pdf
  10. ^http:// ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21005GobNyRonaMaugholdHd2.pdf
  11. ^http:// ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21006DalbyPeatlands2.pdf
  12. ^https:// marinemammalhabitat.org/factsheets/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.Retrieved20 May2020.
  15. ^"Re: Ramsey Marine Nature Reserve Zoning Plan"(PDF).Ramsey.gov.im.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 1 August 2013.Retrieved4 November2018.
  16. ^"Wildlife Act 1990 Ramsey Bay (Marine Nature Reserve) (Designation) Order 2011"(PDF).Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 6 March 2012.Retrieved8 January2012.
  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.Retrieved24 October2020.
  19. ^https:// legislation.gov.im/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1990/1990-0002/WildlifeAct1990_3.pdf
  20. ^https:// iomtoday.co.im/news/entertainment/marine-life-column-an-eelgrass-bed-can-repair-itself-given-time-and-space-654229
  21. ^https:// iomtoday.co.im/news/entertainment/marine-life-column-an-eelgrass-bed-can-repair-itself-given-time-and-space-654229
  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 sheetIsle of ManBGS 2001
  30. ^Cumming 1861:27–28Mines
  31. ^Cumming 1861:28Quarries

References

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