Ayres National Nature Reserve 2024 Roundup

The Ayres National Nature Reserve (NNR) has had an eventful 2024, with notable successes in conservation efforts for some of the island’s most precious species. For a full detailed account see the Ayres NNR 2024 Round Up, but here are some key highlights.

Bird Conservation Successes:

• Curlew (Red-listed): 18 breeding pairs were recorded, with notable fledging success across the reserve, demonstrating the Ayres’ importance as a haven for this threatened species.
• Little Tern (Red-listed): 15 pairs nested, producing 11 fledged young—just shy of the productivity target needed to maintain population density.
• Ringed Plover (Amber/Red-listed): 39 nests were recorded, with successful fledging observed at the Point of Ayre and on the reserve.
• Arctic Tern (Red-listed): 30 pairs fledged 15 young at the Point of Ayre before an unexplained colony abandonment in July.

Notable Wildlife Sightings:

• Regular sightings of Short-Eared Owls, Marsh Harriers and Ospreys.
• Post-breeding flocks included up to 300 Kittiwake and a large Eider flock relocating to Rue Point in June.
• Rare Arctic Skuas were recorded in June and July, with five seen at once.

Invertebrate Highlights:

• The endangered Scarce Crimson and Gold Moth was recorded in low numbers at a restricted location
• Exceptional sightings of the red-listed Heath Bee-fly, recorded across an 8km range.

Other rare species, including the Dune Villa Fly and Beach Pill Woodlouse, were also documented, highlighting the reserve’s importance for invertebrate biodiversity.
The Ayres NNR continues to be an important refuge for a wide range of species in our Biosphere. To learn more about these achievements and ongoing efforts, see the Ayres NNR page.