Manx Wildlife Trust
Founded in 1973, the Manx Wildlife Trust is the largest and most active voluntary body on the Isle of Man devoted to the conservation of wildlife and the environment. As well as being a fully independant Manx charity (Registered Charity No. 225 IOM), it is a corporate member of the Wildlife Trusts, a network of 47 Trusts covering the whole of the British Isles.
The Trust has 20 nature reserves covering over 200 acres which range from two small urban sites in Port Erin and Onchan to 72 acres of heather moorland on Dalby Mountain. They protect important habitats such as the coastal dunes at Cronk y Bing with Little Terns breeding in the vicinity, woodland at Cooildarry and hay meadows rich in orchids and other wildflowers at Close Sartfield. Each reserve is managed in a way which aims to maintain or enhance the habitat and increase the diversity of the flora and fauna.
The Trust provides information on local wildlife and habitats at its three Visitor / Interpretation Centres, Scarlett on the low rocky coast near Castletown, the Ayres in the far north, situated in an important area of coastal dunes and heath and Port Erin at the Marine Laboratory.
The Trust plays a leading role in increasing public awareness of the rich diversity of wildlife found on the Island and to help preserve it for future generations. A wide range of literature including a newsletter, education packs, nature trail booklets, reserve leaflets and scientific reports are produced. Regular contributions are made to the local press and radio on conservation matters and Trust staff and volunteers give illustrated talks to schools and associations.
Our philosophy is that wildlife should able to thrive on the Island in natural habitats such as mountain, woodland, fields, curragh as well as the coastal and marine environment. We are dedicated to working with people from all walks of life - in government, commerce, agriculture, communities and families - to make sure nature gets a chance among all the pressures of the modern world.
Acknowledgements: Manx Wildlife Trust