Bradda Head Nature Trail - Information Point Number 6

Information Point Number 6 

Here, as you leave the tree shaded path on a sunny day. Port Erin Bay welcomes you - look across to the Breakwater and the site of the Port Erin Marine Laboratory. Some fine Cabbage/Manx Palms can be seen  by the Childrens play area.

The Port Erin Breakwater

About 1864 it was proposed to make Port Erin a harbour of refuge, large enough for transatlantic ships, by building a breakwater across the narrow bay. The breakwater was duly completed, of huge concrete blocks, but in 1884 it was washed away by a more than usually fierce storm. The end is marked by a buoy (not a Basking Shark fin !)

Site of the Port Erin Marine Laboratory – Closed 2006

The Port Erin Marine Laboratory owes its inception to, and preserves the memory of, Professor W. Herdman, F.R.S. of Liverpool University, who spent much of his busy life on the Island. It was built in 1892 and is a branch of the Liverpool University for biological teaching and investigation work and providing practical courses in Marine Biology for hundreds of students a year.

Now go to Information Point Number 7 (Approximately 180 paces)