A team of Standard Bank staff have volunteered to provide public access to a species-rich area of wetland owned by Manx National Heritage near Cregneash village. The work will mean that vital habitat for an array of wildlife and wild plants will be protected while also providing an extension of the current network of farm trails at Cregneash for visitors to enjoy.

Shaun Murphy, Property Manager for Manx National Heritage, said the area is important to the Isle of Man: “Wetlands like this are critical for so many species, both animal and plants. We are very grateful to Standard Bank and their staff for their continuing support for this project. As well as giving the public the opportunity in the future to experience a wetland environment in a great setting, we hope that this on-going project will help to enhance the biological diversity of the area through water and habitat management.”

The project was started last year when a team of 29 staff from Standard Bank spent three days on the scheme. It is a three year commitment by the bank.

Chris Till, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Bank IOM said, “Our staff look forward to volunteering for projects like this because it’s a real chance to make a difference and contribute to our community and island. The area is stunning with some wonderful views and we will all thoroughly enjoy spending some time helping Manx Heritage.”

This year the staff work-party constructed a 30-metre boardwalk for later installation and also carried out habitat management on the wetland site. These activities followed on from earlier drainage work to the lane providing access to the site carried out by Groundtech.