Overnight camping withdrawn at Ayres National Nature Reserve

Thu, 29 Dec 2022

Motorhomes and campervans will no longer be permitted to camp overnight at the Ayres National Nature Reserve (ANNR) as a permanent measure.

The ANNR forms part of a wider Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), established in 1996 and since extended, and is owned by the Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture and Manx National Heritage. 

Use of the area in recent years by motorhomes and campervans has led to the turf on the dune grassland suffering increasing amounts of damage. A number of vans became stuck during 2022 despite length restrictions being introduced for overnight stay permits.

Late night incidents involving camp fires and vehicles being driven at high speed have also led to police attendance. 

In order to protect the site’s status as an ASSI, the Department has chosen to focus on the area’s natural assets and on the quiet enjoyment of the area by the wider community.

Vehicles will still be able to access the Recreation Area, but permits to allow overnight camping have been permanently withdrawn.

 

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