Marine Drive area given Special Interest status

A stretch of the Manx coastline has been designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI).

It follows a three-month consultation and means the area is now protected under law- anyone hoping to build on it or near it, will be expected to consult closely with government.

The new ASSI covers around 82 hectares and runs for around three miles between Douglas Head lighthouse and Port Soderick.

The diverse habitat-which includes steep rocky cliffs, coastal grassland, heath and scrub- is the home and feeding ground for a number of bird species including peregrine falcons.

It is the 23rd ASSI protected area on the island, with each playing an important part in the island's UNESCO Biosphere status recognition.

It connects and overlaps with the Little Ness Marine Nature Reserve and includes areas of privately owned land as well as land owned by Manx National Heritage and the Department of Infrastructure.