HSBC Bank has become the latest Isle of Man company to join the Manx Wildlife Trust as a Gold Corporate member, in support of the Trust’s nature conservation work around the Island.

It means that the bank has provided both financial and practical support for the work of the Trust and its various projects

“The Bank aims to invest in local communities wherever it has a presence in the world, with particular emphasis on education and the environment,” said Kevin Cartledge, senior manager HSBC Isle of Man.

“We have been very impressed by the valuable nature conservation work carried out around the Island by the Manx Wildlife Trust and are pleased to be able to support the charity both financially and practically.”

The Manx Wildlife Trust is the leading nature conservation charity on the Isle of Man and whilst it is a fully independent, Manx charity it also benefits from its partnership with 46 other wildlife trusts throughout the British Isles.

The Trust is currently actively managing 20 local reserves, encompassing 255 acres of land.  The Trust is also committed to providing environmental education and awareness throughout the local community.

In recognition of HSBC’s decision, the bank recently invited the Trust’s Wildflowers of Mann Project Manager, Andree Dubbeldam, to give a presentation to staff to coincide with World Environment Day 2011.

World Environment Day is an annual event run by the United Nations to encourage worldwide environmental awareness.  In support of this year’s theme of forestry, Andree’s presentation focused on local, ancient woodlands: their history, development and the action being taken by the Manx Wildlife Trust to help ensure their conservation.

On the same day, HSBC encouraged staff to “Wear Something Green for Wildlife” to demonstrate their commitment to the charity.  This event raised £120 for Trust funds.

Kevin Cartledge went on to say, “Going forward, we’re keen for our staff to get involved with the charity’s work.  The bank is now allowing its employees time off to volunteer with a charity of their choice and so, later this year, we hope that some of them will take the opportunity to help the Manx Wildlife Trust with a project on one of their local nature reserves.” 

The charity’s fundraising and wildlife advocacy officer, Anne Marie Kilgallon, said, “We are very grateful to HSBC, and indeed all of our corporate members, for their generosity.  Thanks to their support, the Trust is able to continue to further its aim of acquiring and managing nature reserves and safe sites for wildlife and conserving some of the best habitats and species on the Isle of Man.”