PART of Maughold which is increasingly popular with seabirds has been designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest.

The Maughold Cliffs and Brooghs area has received the designation following a four month consultation by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

The Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) covers 132 acres in total and stretches from Port-e-Vullen to just south of the Maughold lighthouse.

The steep rocky cliffs and coastal brooghs provide excellent breeding and feeding territory for seabirds and other coastal species.

Records show 35 breeding bird species are supported and a further 47 species, including five protected under the Wildlife Act, frequent the area.

Included in these species are a colony of shags, the largest colony of cormorants in the Isle of Man, fulmar, kittiwake, black guillemot, guillemot and razorbill.

The area is also the best site on the Island for the puffin, which is struggling locally, and raven, peregrine falcon and chough are known to nest on the cliffs.

John Shimmin, the Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister, said: "I am happy to confirm this designation which has the full support of the community and provides protection for a number of our coastal birds giving recognition to the importance of this site."

Manx National Heritage own the majority of the ASSI. Edmund Southworth, the director of Manx National Heritage, explained: "Many people don't realise that Manx National Heritage is one of the key agencies that protects the Manx countryside and the wildlife within it.

"We do this in partnership with others and we are delighted that the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has recognised the importance of this very special area.

"We look forward to working even more closely with the department to open up access for visitors in a way which gives them a greater understanding of the habitat as well as protecting it for future generations."

Maughold Commissioners have also expressed their support for the designation. Clerk Martin Royle said: "Maughold Commissioners are delighted that the ASSI designation has been confirmed.

"The commissioners thank the department for providing this protection for the wildlife along what is one of the Island's most dramatic stretches of coastline."

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