View source for Geography of the Isle of Man

{{Short description|none}} <!-- This short description is INTENTIONALLY "none" - please see WP:SDNONE before you consider changing it! -->
{{More citations needed|date=November 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox islands
 | name                     = Isle of Man
 | image_name               = Isle of Man topographic map-en.svg
 | image_caption            = Topographic map of the Isle of Man
 | image_size               = 239px
 | map                      = British Isles
 | map_caption              = 
 | local_name               = {{native name|gv|Ellan Vannin}}
 | nickname                 = 
 | waterbody                = [[Irish Sea]]
 | location                 = [[Northwestern Europe]]
 | coordinates              = {{Coord|54|15|N|4|30|W|display=inline,title}}
 | archipelago              = [[British Isles]]
 | area_km2                 = 572
 | length_km                = 
 | width_km                 = 
 | coastline_km             = 160
 | highest_mount            = [[Snaefell]]
 | elevation_m              = 621
 | country                  = [[Isle of Man]]
 | country_admin_divisions_title = Largest town
 | country_admin_divisions  = [[Douglas, Isle of Man|Douglas]] (pop. 23,000)
 | population               = 79,805
 | population_as_of         = 2006
 | density_km2              = 139.52
 | ethnic_groups            = [[Manx people|Manx]]
 | additional_info          = 
}}

The [[Isle of Man]] is an [[island]] in the [[Irish Sea]], between [[Great Britain]] and [[Ireland]] in [[Northern Europe]], with a population of almost 85,000. It is a British [[Crown dependency]]. It has a small [[islet]], the [[Calf of Man]], to its south. It is located at {{Coord|54|15|N|4|30|W|region:IM_type:country}}.

==Dimensions==
[[File:Isle of Man by Sentinel-2.jpg|alt=|left|thumb|Satellite image]]
'''Area:'''

<br />''Land:''
{{convert|571|km2|sqmi+ha|abbr=on}}
<br />''Water:''
{{convert|1|km2|sqmi|1|abbr=on}} (100 ha)
<br />''Total:''
{{convert|572|km2|sqmi+ha|abbr=on}}

This makes it:
*slightly more than three times the size of [[Washington, D.C.]]
*slightly more than one-third the size of [[Hertfordshire]]
*slightly smaller than [[Saint Lucia]].

==Coast and territorial sea==
The Isle of Man has a coastline of {{convert|160|km|mi|abbr=on}}, and a [[territorial sea]] extending to a maximum of 12 [[Nautical mile|nm]] from the coast, or the midpoint between it and other countries. The total territorial sea area is about 4000&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> or 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 3 [[Nautical mile|nm]]. The territorial sea is managed by the [[Isle of Man Government]] [[Department of Infrastructure (Isle of Man)|Department of Infrastructure]].

The [[Raad ny Foillan]] long-distance footpath runs {{convert|153|km|mi|abbr=on}} around the [[Isle of Man|Manx]] coast.

==Climate==
The Isle of Man enjoys a [[temperate]] climate, with cool summers and mild winters. Average rainfall is high compared to the majority of the [[British Isles]], due to its location to the western side of Great Britain and sufficient distance from [[Ireland]] for moisture to be accumulated by the prevailing south-westerly winds. Average rainfall is highest at [[Snaefell]], where it is around {{convert|1900|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} a year. At lower levels, it can fall to around {{convert|800|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} a year.

Temperatures remain fairly cool, with the recorded maximum being {{convert|28.9|°C}} at [[Ronaldsway]].

== Terrain ==
{{Main|Hills and mountains of the Isle of Man}}

[[File:Isle of Man Terrain - Snaefell Mountain View - kingsley - 24-JUN-09.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Some of the island's mountainous terrain as viewed from [[Snaefell]], the island's highest peak.]]
[[File:IsleOfMan2021OSM.png|thumb|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 between [[Douglas, Isle of Man|Douglas]] and [[Peel, Isle of Man|Peel]]. The highest point in the Isle of Man, [[Snaefell]], is in the northern area and reaches {{convert|620|m|ft|0}} [[Above mean sea level|above sea level]]. The northern end of the island is a flat plain, consisting of glacial [[till]]s and marine sediments. To the south, the island is more hilly, with distinct valleys. There is no land below sea level.

== Land use ==
*Arable land: 43.86%
*Permanent crops: 0%
*Other: 56.14% (includes permanent pastures, forests, mountain and heathland) (2011)

==Natural hazards and environmental issues==
There are few severe natural hazards, the most common being high winds, rough seas and dense [[fog]]. In recent years there has been a marked increase in the frequency of high winds, heavy rains, summer droughts and [[flood]]ing both from heavy rain and from high seas. [[Snow]] fall has decreased significantly over the past century while temperatures are increasing year-round with [[rainfall]] decreasing.

[[Air pollution]], [[marine pollution]] and [[waste disposal]] are issues in the Isle of Man.

==Protected or recognised sites for nature conservation==
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.

=== [[Man and the Biosphere Programme|UNESCO Biosphere Reserves]] ===
*The entire territory of the [[Isle of Man]], including all land, sea, freshwater, airspace and seabed is a UNESCO [[Biosphere Reserve]]

=== [[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar sites]] ===
[[File:Snaefell.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A view up a glen with Snaefell at the head]]

'''Designated:'''
*[[Ballaugh Curraghs]] UK21001 (2006, 193.4 ha). Has the same boundaries as the Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI.<ref>http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21001BallaaughCurragh2.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>

'''Candidate:'''
*[[Point of Ayre|The Ayres]] UK21002 (Proposed in 2004 & 2005, 600 ha)<ref name=21r>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21IsleOfMan.pdf|title=Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS)}}</ref><ref name=UKOTCD>{{Cite web|url=http://ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/RamsarUKOTCDRepShort054.pdf|title=Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies}}</ref><ref>http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21002TheAyres2.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
*[[Calf of Man|Southern Coasts & Calf of Man]] UK21003 (Proposed in 2004 & 2005, 2326 ha)<ref name=21r/><ref name=UKOTCD/><ref>http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts0a.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref><ref>http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts1a.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref><ref>http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts2a.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref><ref>http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21003Scoasts3a.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
*[[Central Valley Curragh]] UK21004 (Proposed in 2004 & 2005, 164 ha)<ref name=21r/><ref name=UKOTCD/><ref>http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21004CentralValleyCurragh2.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
*[[Maughold|Gob ny Rona, Maughold Head & Port Cornaa]] UK21005 (Proposed in 2004 & 2005, 209 ha)<ref name=21r/><ref name=UKOTCD/><ref>http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21005GobNyRonaMaugholdHd2.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
*[[Dalby, Isle of Man|Dalby Peatlands]] UK21006 (Proposed in 2004 & 2005, 58 ha)<ref name=21r/><ref name=UKOTCD/><ref>http://www.ukotcf.org/pdf/Ramsar/21006DalbyPeatlands2.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>

=== [[Important Marine Mammal Areas]] ===

In 2024, the [[IUCN]] [[Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force]] recognised that 17,610km2 of the central [[Irish Sea]] as being of global importance for marine mammals, known as the [[Central Irish Sea Important Marine Mammal Area]]. This includes about half of Manx marine territorial waters.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.marinemammalhabitat.org/factsheets/central-irish-sea-imma/ | title=Central Irish Sea IMMA }}</ref>

=== [[Important Bird Areas]] ===

The UK [[RSPB]] and UK [[JNCC]] have designated five areas of the Isle of Man which are of global significance to birdlife.<ref>RSPB/JNCC (1992) Important Bird Areas in the United Kingdom including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, 540pp</ref>

*[[Isle of Man Sea Cliffs]] – 97&nbsp;km of the east and west coasts
*[[Calf of Man]] – 250 ha
*[[The Ayres]] – c. 800ha
*[[Ballaugh Curraghs]] – 374 ha
*[[Isle of Man Hills]] – 8650 ha

=== [[National Nature Reserve]]s ===
*[[Point of Ayre|The Ayres]] (2000, 272 ha)

=== [[SSSI|Areas of Special Scientific Importance]] ===
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.

*[[Ballachurry Meadows]] (2010, 11.9 ha)
*[[Ballacrye Meadow]] (2005, 0.55 ha)
*[[Ballateare Meadow]] (2014, 0.96 ha)
*[[Ballaugh Curraghs]] (2005, 193.4 ha)
*[[Point of Ayre|Central Ayres]] (1996, 259.66 ha, extended 2008 by 98.68 ha, total 358.35 ha)
*[[Cronk y Bing]] (2006, 17.71 ha)
*[[Cronk y King]] (2014, extended in 2021 to 3.02 ha)
*[[Curragh Pharrick]] (2022, 4.02 ha)
*[[Dalby Coast]] (2010, 62.1 ha)
*[[Dhoon Glen]] (2007, 20.92 ha)
*[[Douglas Head]] (2022)
*[[Eary Vane]] (2007, 3.96 ha)
*[[Glen Maye]] (2008, 15.92 ha)
*[[Glen Rushen]] (2007, 12.27 ha)
*[[Greeba Mountain & Central Hills]] (2009, 1,080.95 ha)
*[[Grenaby Garey]]s (2021, 74.82 ha)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Isle of Man Government – Grenaby Garey announced as 22nd Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)|url=https://www.gov.im/news/2019/may/07/grenaby-garey-announced-as-22nd-area-of-special-scientific-interest-assi/|website=gov.im|access-date=2020-05-20}}</ref>
*[[Jurby|Jurby Airfield]] (2005, 63.04 ha)
*[[Derbyhaven|Langness, Derbyhaven & Sandwick]] (2001, 310 ha)
*[[Marine Drive, Isle of Man|Marine Drive]] (2021, 82.35 ha)
*[[Maughold Cliffs & Brooghs]] (2011, 53.63 ha)
*[[Port St Mary Ledges & Kallow Point]] (2011, 14.79 ha)
*[[Poyll Vaaish Coast]] (2007, 44.76 ha) 
*[[Ramsey Harbour Swing Bridge|Ramsey Estuary]] (designated but later rescinded in 2010; 15.8 ha)
*[[Ramsey Mooragh Shore]] (2006, 2.65 ha)
*[[Rosehill Quarry, Billown]] (2006, 1.37 ha)
*[[Santon Gorge & Port Soldrick]] (2012, 24.35 ha)

=== [[Marine Nature Reserve]]s ===
The Island's first [[marine nature reserve]] was designated in [[Ramsey Bay]] in October 2011.<ref name="Notification letter">{{cite web|url=http://ramsey.gov.im/Upload/Files/Ramsey%20Marine%20Nature%20Reserve%20Zoning%20Plan.pdf|title=Re: Ramsey Marine Nature Reserve Zoning Plan|website=Ramsey.gov.im|access-date=4 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801110126/http://ramsey.gov.im/Upload/Files/Ramsey%20Marine%20Nature%20Reserve%20Zoning%20Plan.pdf|archive-date=1 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://extranet.tynwald.org.im/SD/2011/2011-SD-0760.pdf |title=Wildlife Act 1990 Ramsey Bay (Marine Nature Reserve) (Designation) Order 2011 |access-date=8 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306022431/http://extranet.tynwald.org.im/SD/2011/2011-SD-0760.pdf |archive-date=6 March 2012 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/environment-food-and-agriculture/ecosystem-policy-and-energy/wildlife-biodiversity-and-protected-sites/protected-sites/marine-nature-reserves/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318185643/https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/environment-food-and-agriculture/ecosystem-policy-and-energy/wildlife-biodiversity-and-protected-sites/protected-sites/marine-nature-reserves/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=18 March 2020 | title=Isle of Man Government – Marine Nature Reserves }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.im/media/1362700/mnr-q-and-as-august-2018.pdf|title=The New Isle of Man 0-3 nm Marine Nature Reserves |website=Isle of Man Government |date=2018| access-date=24 October 2020}}</ref>
*[[Ramsey Bay]] 2011
*[[Baie ny Carrickey]] 2018
*[[Calf and Wart Bank]] 2018
*[[Douglas Harbour|Douglas Bay]] 2018
*[[Langness]] 2018
*[[Laxey Bay]] 2018
*[[Little Ness Marine Nature Reserve|Little Ness]] 2018
*[[Niarbyl Bay]] 2018
*[[Port Erin Bay]] 2018
*[[West Coast Marine Nature Reserve|West Coast]] 2018

==== [[Eelgrass]] Conservation Zones (Statutory – within MNRs) ====
Eelgrass ''[[Zostera marina]]'' is a legally protected species on the Isle of Man.<ref>https://www.legislation.gov.im/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1990/1990-0002/WildlifeAct1990_3.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201154718/http://www.legislation.gov.im/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1990/1990-0002/WildlifeAct1990_3.pdf |date=1 December 2023 }} {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref> Between 2011 and 2018, four strictly protected Eelgrass Conservation Zones have been designated to protect this important species.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/entertainment/marine-life-column-an-eelgrass-bed-can-repair-itself-given-time-and-space-654229|title=Marine life column: An eelgrass bed can repair itself given time and space|date=2 December 2023}}</ref>
*[[Ramsey Bay]] MNR - Port Lewaigue & Ballure area (2011)
*[[Baie ny Carrickey]] MNR - east of Gansey Point (2018)
*[[Langness]] MNR - Fort Island Gully (2018) 
*[[Laxey Bay]] MNR - east of Gob ny Silvas (2018)

==== [[Eelgrass]] Voluntary Zones (Non-statutory – both in and outside MNRs) ====
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.<ref name="auto"/>
*[[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)

=== [[Area of Special Protection|Areas of Special Protection]] ===
*[[Point of Ayre|Ayres Gravel Pit]] designated 2001, 41 hectares.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tynwald.org.im/links/tls/SD/2001/2001-SD-0769.PDF |title=Statutory Document No. 769/01. WILDLIFE ACT 1990: AYRES GRAVEL PIT (BRIDE) AREA OF SPECIAL PROTECTION FOR BIRDS ORDER 2001 |website=tynwald.org.im}}</ref> In 2019 this became a nature reserve managed by Manx BirdLife.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://manxbirdlife.im/point-of-ayre/|title=Manx BirdLife Point of Ayre Reserve - Manx BirdLife|website=manxbirdlife.im}}</ref>

=== [[Bird Sanctuary|Bird Sanctuaries]] ===
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&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.protectedplanet.net/barnell-reservoir-patrick-bird-sanctuary-under-the-wild-birds-protection-act-1932 |title = Barnell Reservoir (Patrick)}}</ref>
*Tynwald National Park and Arboretum (1982)<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.protectedplanet.net/tynwald-national-park-and-arboretum-bird-sanctuary-under-the-wild-birds-protection-act-1932 | title=Tynwald National Park and Arboretum}}</ref>
*Derbyhaven, Langness and Fort Island and foreshores adjoining (1936)<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.protectedplanet.net/derbyhaven-langness-and-fort-island-and-foreshores-adjoining-bird-sanctuary-under-the-wild-birds-protection-act-1932 |title = Derbyhaven, Langness and Fort Island and foreshores adjoining}}</ref>
*Renscault and Ballachrink (West Baldwin) (1978) 0.18&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.protectedplanet.net/renscault-and-ballachrink-west-baldwin-bird-sanctuary-under-the-wild-birds-protection-act-1932 | title=Renscault and Ballachrink (West Baldwin)}}</ref>
*The Willows (Ballamodha, Malew) (1984) 0.01&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.protectedplanet.net/the-willows-ballamodha-malew-bird-sanctuary-under-the-wild-birds-protection-act-1932 |title = The Willows (Ballamodha, Malew)}}</ref>

=== [[Heath|Registered Heathland]] ===
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 Reserve|Nature Reserves and Wildlife Sites]] ===

====Manx Wildlife Trust Reserves====
'''Manx Wildlife Trust''' (MWT) was founded on 6 March 1973 and is the Isle of Man’s leading nature conservation charity.

As of May 2025, MWT manages 32 nature reserves, including the [[Calf of Man]] which is managed with and on behalf of [[Manx National Trust]]. These reserves total {{convert|1015.68 |ha|acres|abbr=on}}, or around 2% of the Isle of Man and include:

{|class="wikitable"
!Name!!Acquired!!Area!!Notes
|-
|Aust||2016|| {{convert|4.20|ha|acres|abbr=on}}|| 
|-
|Ballachrink||2011|| {{convert|10.08|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||Part of the Renscault & Ballachrink Bird Sanctuary
|-
|Ballachurry||2016|| {{convert|1.67|ha|acres|abbr=on}}|| 
|-
|Ballamooar Meadow||1994|| {{convert|0.39|ha|acres|abbr=on}}|| 
|-
|Barnell Reservoir||1974 & 1984|| {{convert|1.57|ha|acres|abbr=on}}|| Part of the Ballamoar Bird Sanctuary (Patrick)
|-
|Billown||2023|| {{convert|1.66|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||Includes Rosehill Quarry [[Site of Special Scientific Interest|ASSI]]
|-
|Breagle Glen and Cronk Aash||1988, 1991 & 2010||{{convert|0.85|ha|acres|abbr=on}}|| 
|-
|[[Calf of Man]]|| N/A || {{convert|262.34|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||Owned by [[Manx National Trust]], co-managed in partnership with Manx Wildlife Trust since 2006. Candidate [[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar site]]
|-
|Close e Quayle||1994 & 2003|| {{convert|3.98|ha|acres|abbr=on}}|| 
|-
|[[Curraghs|Close Sartfield]]||1987||{{convert|12.34|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||Part of the [[Ballaugh Curraghs]] [[Site of Special Scientific Interest|ASSI]] and Ramsar Site
|-
|[[Curraghs|Close Umpson]]||1995|| {{convert|0.79|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||Part of the Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI and Ramsar Site
|-
|Cooildarry||1976 & 1979|| {{convert|5.23|ha|acres|abbr=on}}|| 
|-
|Creg y Cowin|| 2023|| {{convert|43.25|ha|acres|abbr=on}}|| 
|-
|Cronk y Bing||1989||{{convert|7.23|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||An [[Site of Special Scientific Interest|Area of Special Scientific Interest]]
|-
|Curragh Feeagh||1986|| {{convert|2.40|ha|acres|abbr=on}}|| 
|-
|Curragh Kiondroghad (Onchan Community Wetlands)|| 1988 & 1990|| {{convert|0.53|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||
|-
|Dalby Mountain||1995 & 2024|| {{convert|45.24|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||Candidate [[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar site]], Part of the "Isle of Man Hills" [[Important Bird Area|Important Bird & Biodiversity Area]]
|-
|Dalby Mountain Fields||1995|| {{convert|4.26|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||Part of the "Isle of Man Hills" [[Important Bird Area|Important Bird & Biodiversity Area]] 
|-
|Dobbie's Meadow||2013|| {{convert|4.08|ha|acres|abbr=on}}|| 
|-
|Earystane||1998|| {{convert|0.66|ha|acres|abbr=on}}|| 
|-
|Fell's Field||1998|| {{convert|1.16|ha|acres|abbr=on}}|| 
|-
|[[Glen Auldyn]]||2025|| {{convert|454.87|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||Part of the "Isle of Man Hills" [[Important Bird Area|Important Bird & Biodiversity Area]] 
|-
|Glen Dhoo||1995|| {{convert|9.62|ha|acres|abbr=on}}|| 
|-
|Glion Darragh||2024|| {{convert|70.62|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||
|-
|[[Curraghs|Goshen]]||1995, 1998, 2008 & 2023||{{convert|18.92|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||Part of Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI and Ramsar Site
|-
|[[Ramsey Hairpin|Hairpin Woodland Park]]||2019, 2022, 2024 & 2024|| {{convert|25.54|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||
|-
|Lough Cranstal||1989 & 2022|| {{convert|6.69|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||Candidate [[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar site]]
|-
|Lough Gat e Whing||2016|| {{convert|1.75|ha|acres|abbr=on}}|| 
|-
|Miss Guyler's Meadow||1989|| {{convert|1.22|ha|acres|abbr=on}}|| 
|-
|[[Curraghs|Moaney & Crawyn's Meadows]]||1995|| {{convert|0.96|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||Part of the Ballaugh Curraghs ASSI and Ramsar Site
|-
|Mullen e Cloie||2008|| {{convert|1.14|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||
|-
|The Keyllagh||2024|| {{convert|10.44|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||
|-
|Total|| || {{convert|1015.68|ha|acres|abbr=on}}||This represents approximately 2% of the [[Isle of Man]]'s land area (57,198ha)
|}

====Designated Wildlife Sites====
The Isle of Man has (as of March 2023) 92 non-statutory 'Wildlife Sites' covering {{convert|1230.54|ha|acre|abbr=off}} in addition to the 10.4&nbsp;km of coastline. As of 30 January 2009 this total was 45 wildlife sites, covering about 195 ha of land and an additional {{convert|10.5|km|mi|abbr=on}} 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====
*[[Ballalough Reedbeds]]: {{convert|1.4|ha|acres|abbr=on}} managed by Castletown Commissioners
*[[Ballanette]] and [[Clay Head Brooghs]]: nature reserve, private but open to the public
*[[Snaefell Valley]]: nature reserve, private but open to the public
*[[Manx BirdLife]] [[Ayres National Reserve]]

===[[Manx National Heritage|Manx National Trust]] Landholdings===
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''': [[Point of Ayre|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, Isle of Man|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 ==
{{main|Geology of the Isle of Man}}

The majority of the island is formed from highly faulted and folded sedimentary rocks of the [[Ordovician]] period. There is a belt of younger [[Silurian]] rocks along the west coast between [[Niarbyl]] and Peel, and a small area of [[Devonian]] sandstones around Peel. A band of [[Carboniferous]] period 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, [[Silverdale Glen|Silverdale]] and Port St Mary. [[Permian|Permo-]] [[Triassic]] age 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.<ref>British Geological Survey 1:50,000 scale Special map sheet ''Isle of Man'' BGS 2001</ref>

The island has significant deposits of [[copper]], [[lead]] and [[silver]], [[zinc]], [[Iron ore|iron]], and plumbago (a mix of [[graphite]] and [[clay]]).<ref>{{Harvcolnb|Cumming|1861|pp=27–28}} ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=jX0HAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA27 Mines]''</ref> There are also quarries of black [[marble]], [[limestone]] flags, clay [[schist]], and [[granite]].<ref>{{Harvcolnb|Cumming|1861|p=28}} ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=jX0HAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA28 Quarries]''</ref> These are all modern, and there was no noticeable exploitation of metals or minerals before the modern era.

== Demographics ==
[[File:cmglee_Douglas_Isle_of_Man_aerial_view.jpg|thumb|right|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 is [[Douglas, Isle of Man|Douglas]], whose population is 23,000 – over a quarter of the population of the island. Neighbouring [[Onchan]], [[Ramsey, Isle of Man|Ramsey]] in the north, [[Peel, Isle of Man|Peel]] in the west and the three southern ports of [[Castletown, Isle of Man|Castletown]], [[Port Erin]] and [[Port St Mary]] are the island's other main settlements. Almost all its population lives on or very near the coast.

== See also ==
* [[Towns in the Isle of Man]]
* [[List of rivers of the Isle of Man]]

==Citations==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
{{commons category}}
{{Refbegin}}
*{{Citation
|last=Cumming
|first=Joseph George
|author-link=Joseph George Cumming
|year=1861
|title=A Guide to the Isle of Man
|publisher=Edward Stanford
|publication-date=1861
|location=London
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jX0HAAAAQAAJ
}}
*{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.im/isleofman/geography.xml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030608211927/http://www.gov.im/isleofman/geography.xml|archive-date=8 June 2003|title=Isle of Man Government – Geography|date=8 June 2003|access-date=4 November 2018}}
{{Refend}}

*{{CIA World Factbook}}
{{Geography of Europe}}
{{Europe topic|Climate of}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Geography of the Isle of Man}}
[[Category:Geography of the Isle of Man| ]]