The Manx public are being asked to support an appeal to raise ?25,000 for a new nature reserve in the north of the Island.
The target has been set by the Manx Wildlife Trust, which wants to purchase a 13? acre site in the Ballaugh Curragh area, in six months.
The reserve aims to help ensure the survival of important animals, birds and plants for the future.
Marian Kenny reports:
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The area of open meadow, woodland, wet grassland and scrubland provides what the Wildlife Trust describes as a mosaic of habitats and biodiversity.
Marsh marigold, several species of marsh orchid and three species of wildflowers would be protected - they are all decreasing in population due to the drainage of the wetlands.
The reserve would also be the perfect habitat for nesting curlews, hen harriers and a whole range of insects - including the Manx Robber Fly, the only species of invertebrate named after the Isle of Man.
The Manx Wildlife trust is appealing to the public for donations to purchase the plot within six months - the current owners are said to be supportive of the Trust's work and have offered the land at a very fair price.
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