Standard Bank staff have embarked on a three-year programme to improve an area of Manx National Heritage land around Cregneash village.
29 staff volunteered over three days in September, working to clear an overgrown lane to provide access to a species rich wetland area at Cregneash.
Shaun Murphy, Property Manager for Manx National Heritage said Standard Bank’s help was vital, ‘We would struggle to undertake labour intensive projects of this nature so in terms of man days it was a substantial effort. We simply wouldn’t have been able to do this project without Standard Bank’s help.’
Next year staff will be constructing a boardwalk to provide access into the wetland area. The site has an interesting mix of marsh loving plants such as the Spotted Orchid, Ragged Robin and Marsh Pennywort, as well being home to the Common Frog.
Janine Lashmar, Marketing Assistant, Standard Bank said, ‘It was hard work clearing the gorse. You wouldn’t have realised that there was a lane there at all when we started, but knowing that we are contributing to our island’s natural heritage made it all worthwhile. The views from the site are absolutely magnificent as they look out over the Sound and to the Calf. It was tough, but rewarding.’
The three year project will add a new dimension to Cregneash’s existing important built heritage and farm walks by creating an access that will allow the public to enjoy the wetland area.
Standard Bank staff volunteer every year to take part in a project for the local community. Last year they spent time working with Crossroads Care to improve their playground area.
Photo - Standard Bank staff working.
