In aid of Make a Difference Day, “an annual event which encourages Barclays staff around the world to volunteer their time and skills in support of local causes”, 2 teams of 9 volunteers from Barclays Wealth, recently each spent half a day helping the Manx Wildlife Trust with various tasks at Ballachurry Wetlands community nature reserve in Rushen. Before starting on their tasks, Trust Director, Duncan Bridges, briefed the volunteers on the history and conservation value of the site. Owned by Stan Clucas, Ballachurry Wetlands is managed by the Manx Wildlife Trust as a community wildlife area. The site has a range of habitats, including woodland and 2 ponds and plans are in place to also create areas of wildflower meadow. Earlier this year a bird hide was built by students from Castle Rushen High School. The hide overlooks one of the ponds where both Heron and Shelduck are regularly seen. As the reedbeds surrounding the ponds become more established, it is hoped that other birds such as Water Rail will be encouraged to the reserve and when resources permit, a ramp up to the bird hide will be built to enable both disabled and able-bodied visitors to make the most of the bird-spotting opportunities in the area. The Trust is also hoping to turf the roof of the bird hide, build benches inside it and have a sign and interpretation board on site to allow visitors to learn about some of the wildlife that may be seen on the reserve. The teams from Barclays Wealth erected a new gate at the entrance to the reserve and planted 75 trees at the site. The trees were grown locally by the Native Oak Group and consisted of Ash, Birch, Willow and Alder. All of the materials, including the trees, were very kindly funded by Barclays Wealth. People and Communications Analyst, Kerrie McCauley, was one of the volunteers who took part in the Make a Difference Day activities and said, “We’ve really enjoyed learning about the nature conservation work carried out by the Manx Wildlife Trust at Ballachurry Wetlands and getting first hand experience of this. Our teams have had a great time working outdoors for a change and it’s good to know that our efforts will help Manx wildlife to flourish. The coffee and biscuits, supplied by Stan and Pam Clucas, were much appreciated too!” The Manx Wildlife Trust is very grateful to the staff from Barclays Wealth for their hard work at Ballachurry Wetlands and would encourage staff from other local businesses who may be thinking of volunteering their time in support of a local charity to get in touch. For contact details and more general information on the work of the Manx Wildlife Trust, please go to its website www.manxwt.org.uk or call into the Wildlife Shop at Tynwald Mills, St Johns. Ends