In common with all of the Wildlife Trusts throughout the British Isles, the Manx Wildlife Trust is taking action to ensure that wildlife issues and concerns are brought to the attention of candidates seeking election to government. The nature conservation charity is focusing its campaigning activities on the House of Keys General Election scheduled for this September and has produced a series of key information sheets, or “narratives”, highlighting the wealth of wildlife present in each of the Garff and Ayre, Glenfaba and Michael, Middle and Rushen Sheadings. Each “narrative” outlines the Manx Wildlife Trust’s vision for Manx wildlife in the future, for example, in the Garff and Ayre Sheadings, the Trust is keen to see an extension of the Ayres National Nature Reserve so that it runs from Blue Point to the east coast and in the Middle Sheading, would strongly support the designation of the Central Valley Curragh as an Area of Special Scientific Interest to afford protection of important wetland areas. To ensure that candidates for the House of Keys General Election have the opportunity to include wildlife and nature conservation issues in their election campaigns, the Trust will be taking the opportunity to send them the “narrative” relevant to their proposed constituencies. The charity’s Director, Duncan Bridges, said, “Whilst we appreciate that there are many important issues for candidates to consider, we are keen for them to have a good understanding of the need to protect our valuable wildlife and beautiful countryside for future generations to enjoy so that, if elected, they may take appropriate action.” Duncan went on to say, “To find out more about our wildlife advocacy work, everyone is welcome to come along to the Wildflowers of Mann Project’s nursery at Mullen-e-Cloie in St Johns on Tynwald Day where, between 11am and 2pm, our Fundraising and Wildlife Advocacy Officer, Anne Marie Kilgallon, will be available for a chat. In addition, the Wildflowers of Mann Project Manager, Andree Dubbeldam, will be offering tours around the nursery. People will also be able to pledge their support for wildlife conservation on the Island by signing a scale or leaf and adding it to our ‘Petition Fish’ or ‘Tree of Life’.” ENDS