The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry designated an area of Ramsey Mooragh Shore as an area of special scientific interest, in accordance with the Wildlife Act 1990. The designation was confirmed on the 9th August 2006 following a period of notice.
The Department identified the area as being of special interest by reason of its flora, fauna and geological and physiographical features.
Ramsey North Shore is a stretch of beach located between the Ramsey Mooragh Promenade and the mean high tide level. This length of shore corresponds to the small area in the centre of Ramsey Bay which has seabed sediments of sand, as opposed to gravel. This has resulted in a low sand dune forming against the promenade wall, with a zone of fine shingle on the seaward side, and associated vegetation and invertebrate life. Good examples of sandy strandline, vegetated shingle and dune grassland communities are all present on the site, which supports several rare or uncommon plants.
A copy of the designation notice which includes a site plan, and explanation of the designation can be downloaded here.