A team from Nedbank Private Wealth recently joined up with the Manx Wildlife Trust for some hard clearance work at the Trust’s new nature reserve at Ballachrink, West Baldwin. An enthusiastic group of staff took time out of their busy weekend to learn more about the new reserve area and clear it of overgrown brambles and weeds.

Cathy Cowin, senior marketing executive at the bank, commented: “We have supported the Manx Wildlife Trust for many years and our staff enjoyed the opportunity to play a part in protecting the island’s scenery and wildlife. Assisting the wardens, while learning more about this unique area, made for a very lively and interesting morning.”

On a rare fine and dry Saturday morning, and armed with gloves and sturdy footwear, the team of volunteers helped to hang a new gate (funded by the bank) and cleared a substantial amount of scrub from one of the main tracks. 

The land at Ballachrink, which comprises over 25 acres of meadow, conifer plantation, developing woodland and a series of open lakes and pools, was bequeathed to the Manx Wildlife Trust from the estate of the late Mr and Mrs Norris who lived at Ballachrink House in West Baldwin for many years. 

The site includes the west and part of the east banks of the Baldwin river, just below the village area and has been used extensively in the past by winter wildfowl including mallard, widgeon, goldeneye and pochard as well as waterhen, coot, heron and Canada geese during the rest of the year.

Photo caption - The team from Nedbank Private Wealth with Trust staff at the new West Baldwin reserve.