STAFF from Barclays have helped the Manx Wildlife Trust with planting trees as part of Make a Difference Day.

The annual event encourages Barclays employees around the world to volunteer their time and skills in support of local causes.

Two teams of nine Barclays volunteers spent half a day at the 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 two ponds. Plans are in place to also create areas of wildflower meadow.

The teams from Barclays Wealth erected a new gate at the entrance to the reserve and planted 75 trees grown locally by the Native Oak Group. These consisted of Ash, Birch, Willow and Alder.

Volunteer Kerrie McCauley, people and communications analyst for Barclays, 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 Make a Difference Day campaign ran from October 23 to November 6.