A new National Nature Reserve has been formally designated in the Isle of Man to coincide with King Charles III’s first official visit as Lord of Mann.
Cronk y Bing Ayres, a long stretch of sand dunes on the Andreas coast, was declared an NNR by Environment Minister Clare Barber MHK.
The site becomes the island’s second statutory reserve under the Wildlife Act 1990, joining the existing Ayres NNR as part of a 12km protected coastal unit dominated by Marram Grass.
Manx Wildlife Trust says Cronk y Bing is its most important reserve for birdlife, with 120 species recorded, including 36 of the island’s 48 red‑listed species of conservation concern.
Minister Barber said the designation reflects the Island’s commitment to protecting “exceptional wildlife and landscapes”.
David Bellamy, Head of Conservation & Land at MWT, described the site as “one of the very best” places to experience Manx nature, noting the King’s long‑standing interest in conservation.
The new reserve covers 7.16 hectares, with byelaws to strengthen protection due later this year
