THE Isle of Man’s heather-covered hills and areas of peat are so rare that they could be considered for special protection, says an MHK.

North Douglas MHK Bill Henderson says the Island’s hill lands could be of “European significance” and will ask Tynwald next week to look into the matter.

He has tabled questions for next week’s sitting of Tynwald where he will ask the Minister for Environment Food and Agriculture (DEFA) whether the hills may require special scientific recognition in the future.

Mr Henderson will also ask the Minister, John Shimmin MHK, if the Department will be stepping up its campaign to protect hill lands from “continuing destruction from motorised vehicle use.”

In another question, Mr Henderson will also ask about DEFA’s policy on future tree planting schemes on Manx uplands. He wants to know whether it is the Department’s intention to follow recommendations made in a previous DAFF Environmental Impact Assessment that the planting of coniferous trees in the uplands should cease.