THIS weekend is the last chance to join guided tours to see the 100,000 wild orchids in full bloom in the north of the Island.
The Manx Wildlife Trust is running the tours at Close Sartfield in The Curraghs. The tours started last week and run until Sunday (June 20th).
Led by the Trust's Reserve Officer, Tricia Sayle, the Orchid Walks are an annual event around the Close Sartfield reserve, taking in the magnificent view of the over 100,000 orchids, their range of light- to deep-pink blooms mixing with the fine grasses and buttercups, in the main meadow fields just north of Ballaugh - set again the dark backdrop of the northern hills.
This year the walks will run until Sunday June 20th, starting at 2.30pm from the car park. Strong shoes (or wellies depending on the weather) are required. The walk is less than a mile but guided tours take about 90 mins to two hours, depending on the number of questions.
Volunteers or staff take the tours and along the way you will not only learn about the orchids but also the history of the site and management required to maintain the profusion of orchids. The walks are not suitable for very young children. Dogs are not permitted on the walks.
Walks can also be arranged on request for those confined to wheelchairs or who have difficulty walking. This can be organised by Tricia Sayle at the Trust's office (01624 801985) to make the necessary arrangements.
The walks are free of charge, but donations towards the important work of the Trust are always much appreciated.
It’s worth getting there in good time as the car park is not easy to find. It is on Windmill Road, close to the T junction. Directions are available on the Manx Wildlife Trust website.
