Artic terns could be lost to the Island if the public disturbs them while nesting.

That is the message from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).

It comes after reports of walkers breaching a fenced breeding colony at the Ayres and attacking the birds with rocks and sticks.

The Ayres is the only nesting site for terns in the Isle of Man and the birds travel around 50,000 miles to and from the southern oceans – the longest migration for any animal – between nesting.

Under the Wildlife Act 1990, it is illegal to disturb, injure or kill nesting terns.

Dr Richard Selman, Senior Biodiversity Officer, said: ‘The Point of Ayre is a beautiful and popular area. It is also the one, key site where Arctic terns, having flown all the way from the southern oceans, nest every year. We need to use the area sensitively so that we don’t lose this important species.

‘Unfortunately, terns abandon their nests when the pressure from people or predators gets too great. They nest in a limited area and I hope people will respect the controls provided in order to give them the best chance of raising their young.

‘Fencing and signage provide clear demarcation of such areas. Arctic terns will defend their nests and this can be a painful experience.

‘I would urge anyone who sees anyone breaking the law to contact us at DEFA or, if out of hours, Ramsey police station.’

The land where the terns nest is owned by Bride Sand and Gravel.

Spokesman Andrew Kenyon-Smith said: ‘Even though much of the land at the Point of Ayre has been in private ownership for generations, we’ve always been happy for the public to enjoy it and hope this can continue.

‘We have always resisted closing our land off as much as possible but, if people are going to impinge on the wildlife like this, we may have to think again.

‘It would be a pity if the irresponsible behaviour of the few ended up spoiling things for the many.’