Exclusion Zone Established at Langness to Protect Endangered Nesting Birds

Manx BirdLife has set up an exclusion zone at Langness from March to August to protect endangered ground-nesting birds, including the vulnerable ringed plover, by reducing disturbances during the breeding season.

Exclusion Zone Established to Protect Nesting Birds

Visitors are being urged to maintain distance at one of the Isle of Man's coastal beauty spots to safeguard endangered birds during their nesting period.

Manx BirdLife has introduced an "exclusion zone" around Langness, effective during the ground-nesting season from March through August.

Out of the island's 332 recorded bird species, over 200 have been observed at the southern peninsula.

Manx BirdLife's Allison Leonard commented on the significance of the area for birdwatching:

"If you speak to any birdwatcher they will tell you that Langness is one of the best places to go birdwatching on the island."

Manx Birdlife There is white sign attached to a wooden post in the ground. There is grass around it and an expanse behind of gravel and water, and a coastline beyong. The sign reads: Attention: Ground-nesting birds, Please do not enter this sensitive area, and there is more detail in smaller print. — Nesting birds are protected under the Wildlife Act 1990

Measures to Minimise Disturbance

To protect vital nesting sites along the coast, signs and temporary rope barriers have been installed at key locations within the exclusion zone.

These measures aim to reduce disturbances to breeding birds, particularly those species that are vulnerable or receive special protection under Manx wildlife legislation.

Leonard highlighted one of the primary species targeted by this initiative, the ringed plover, a small coastal bird that nests directly on beaches and shingle.

She explained the vulnerability of these nests:

"Because their nests are difficult to see, they can be easily disturbed by walkers, dogs or other activity."

Ringed plovers are classified among the island's "schedule one protected species," meaning that disturbing them at the nest constitutes an offence under the Isle of Man's Wildlife Act.

Responsibility to Protect Unique Wildlife

Leonard emphasized the importance of wildlife protection due to the island's unique range of species.

"The Isle of Man is home to some amazing wildlife and we should all have a responsibility to protect that,"

She expressed hope that raising public awareness during the breeding season would help ensure that Langness remains a vital habitat for birds in the future.