MANX Telecom and DEFA have joined forces to create a long term community woodland project at Conrhenny plantation.

The aim is to create a new car park, provide a safe habitat for bats, build walking and biking trails, a picnic area and carry out additional landscaping, with Manx Telecom volunteers playing an active role throughout.

The first stage of the Conrhenny Woodlands Project has been the car park construction. DEFA contractors levelled the site at the turn of the year and Manx Telecom, utilising staff resources under the guidance of DEFA, have erected 120 metres of perimeter post and rail fencing including access gates.

Signposting and additional information for visitors is also ear-marked for the car park area. Over 300 trees, in small varied groups, have been planted around the perimeter of the “Trees for Life” project to improve landscape, aesthetic and wildlife values.

In the coming months, the next phase of the project is to create a natural habitat for bats with the construction of up to 30 bat boxes which will be attached about 15 feet above ground to larchwood poles. Manx Telecom staff will be shown how to build the boxes taking advice from the Manx Bat Group. 

In time for the summer, there are also plans to create a 2 metre wide, 115 metre long, wheelchair accessible trail leading to a picnic area with tables and seating.

DEFA Assistant Forester, Jason Bolt, who is spearheading the work programme, said the Department was delighted to be partnering with Manx Telecom to bring the Conrhenny Woodland Project to fruition.

“Since we first made our plans at Conrhenny known to them, Manx Telecom has been very enthusiastic about providing support, especially in terms of using equipment and manpower. It has always been our aim to develop Conrhenny in this way, but thanks to Manx Telecom’s hands-on involvement, it means we can now definitely bring the timescales right forward,” he said.

“We want this to have a real community feel. The aim is to have lots of benefits which will appeal to a broad section of the community – young and old - that’s right on the doorstep. This is a very exciting time for the development of Conrhenny.”

John McChesney, Manx Telecom’s Director of Human Resources, said when the company first heard of DEFA’s plans for Conrhenny it seemed an ideal environmental challenge which staff would be proud to get involved with on a hands-on basis.  A steering party had even been set up to co-ordinate exactly how staff could bring their skills and enthusiasm to good effect.

He added, “We are responding to our staff. They wanted to do something together that could benefit the environment and when we learned of what DEFA was intending to do at Conrhenny, this seemed to tick so many boxes because of the types of outdoor activities our staff enjoy and the skill sets many of them possess.

“Whilst we have been given ?3,000 from our parent company towards any costs incurred, the emphasis is to donate time and manpower to the project rather than simply cash,” he continued.

As an example, he said that the company had a digger and members of staff with specific experience of fencing, resources which will be put to good use in erecting the car park boundaries. 

“This is a very exciting, long-term community based project which offers our staff the chance to provide practical involvement with the potential to give benefits for generations to come,” John added.

The collaboration between DEFA and Manx Telecom has also been warmly welcomed by chairman of the Forestry, Amenity and Lands Division, Tim Crookall MHK. "We are delighted to be working with Manx Telecom on this joint project to further enhance Conrhenny Plantation as a community woodland for the use of everyone,” he said.

“The developments involving Manx Telecom staff will, over time, improve access, education and conservation in this very popular area which is within easy reach of the larger population centres of Douglas and Onchan. 

“It ties in well with the Department's ongoing work within the plantation, including the annual 'Trees for Life' project, which is now in its second year, and involves planting of broadleaf trees by primary school children each spring."