MANX Nature Dooghys Vannin

The membership newsletter of Manx Wildlife Trust DooghysSpring/Summer Vannin 2020

The Secret Natural Lives of Swifts Solutions Why these How restoring masters of the air natural habitats need our help can help tackle the Now climate crisis Digital!

Free to Members Welcome to Spring/Summer 12 Leigh Morris, CEO Just over two months closure of our Wildlife Gift Shop in Peel. into my role, I’m MWT needs ongoing funding to enable us delighted to be writing to continue doing all the wonderful work my first Welcome for we do for conservation across the Island, Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) was founded in Manx Nature. I first including management of MWT’s 24 diverse 1973 and is the Isle of Man’s leading nature visited and explored Nature Reserves, three visitor centres, and conservation charity. Its members, staff and volunteers support MWT to protect Manx the Island 20 years ago other key projects such as Ramsey Forest, wildlife by: (one of my best friends and the MNH Calf of Man Bird Observatory 6 • Providing space for wildlife on 24 from horticultural college is from the IoM.) – one of the most important bird sites in nature reserves I loved the whole experience then and so it the British Isles. At this time of increased • Enabling the recovery of native wildlife was a wonderful opportunity to return and pressure on all charities, you can please through our conservation projects lead the Island’s Wildlife Trust. help us by reminding others how much • Inspiring people to value nature You may notice that the ‘Proud to Partner MWT does, how much we would welcome Give the Gift of • Getting people actively involved with UNESCO Biosphere’ logo appears more donations and legacies and how important nature conservation prominently in the magazine. This is a our work is to the IOM. Wildlife • Standing up for wildlife in fishing, conscious step by us to champion our The present situation with coronavirus 24 farming, planning and UNESCO Biosphere status, which I see as a (covid-19) is a major challenge for us all. For an inspirational gift land management fantastic enabler for collaborative working. Thankfully I work with a positive team with a difference, how • Basing our advice and actions I’m making great efforts to engage with of people, who are viewing this as an on sound science other organisations here and discuss ways opportunity to work in different ways and about Manx Wildlife Trust that we might work more closely together. do some things that we hadn’t previously membership? MWT Headquarters I’m delighted to have already made some had time to do. As I say to my team, this is a 7-8, Market Place good connections and look forward to period of time, not permanent! Peel, Isle of Man IM5 1AB developing more. 20 34 Tel: (01624) 844432 I hope you enjoy this magazine that, Your lucky recipient, as well Web: www.manxwt.org.uk Our members and supporters may not due to coronavirus, we are distributing as being a voice for nature Email: [email protected] know that despite our best efforts, as a free digital copy. Hopefully this will In this Issue and helping to protect Manx Facebook: @manxwildlifetrust MWT operate on an annual financial entertain many more people while they Twitter: @manxnature 4-5 Local News 24 Interesting Insects Instagram: manxnature deficit, especially in those years, such as are social distancing and inspire them to The latest local stories Dawn finds beauty in invertebrates wildlife for the future, Registered Charity: 225 IOM 2019, when we do not receive a legacy. do something positive for Manx wildlife 25 will receive: Registered Company: 5297 IOM 6-9 The Secret Lives of Swifts Moths and Butterflies Fundraising is always a top priority for us (including joining MWT!). Great to see Sarah Gibson gives us the lowdown Gail Jeffcoate updates on the Island's and 2020 may prove to be a particularly the photo of our latest member of staff moths and butterflies challenging year due to the coronavirus, (Rachael Harrop p.4) and I particularly 10-11 Nature Based Solutions Directors of MWT Council 26-27 • wildlife news in our Chair - Viv Davies which has significantly reduced enjoyed reading the Calf report and How wildlife holds the key to carbon Gardening for Moths Secretary - Sally Bolton some funding streams, including the the article on Gardening for Butterflies and Butterflies colourful members’ Treasurer - Paul Seaward 12-14 The Calf Report & Moths. I wish you a Aron reviews the 2019 season Make your garden more attractive magazine Staff wonderful nature-filled 15 Restoring Order 28-29 Natural History Collections Chief Executive - Leigh Morris summer and that you all Accounts & Office Coordinator - Pesatland restoration update from and Conservation • access to nature themed Charlotte Pointon stay healthy… Sarah Hickey A day in the life of Manx Museum events and talks around Marketing & Membership Manager - Curator, Laura McCoy Graham Makepeace-Warne Follow Leigh on Twitter:@MorrisLeigh 18 Celebrating our Volunteers the Island Biodiversity Education Officer - Dawn Dickens We re-launch our volunteer 30-31 Support Group's Update Marine Officer - Lara Howe awards scheme The latest from the north and south Reserves Officer - Tricia Sayle • inspiration to get out Wildflowers of Mann - Andree Dubbeldam Welcome New Members! 19 Big Reserves 32-33 Business is Good and about on our An update from Tricia Sayle How corporates are helping MWT Committee Chairs and Council Members Mrs A & Mr K Skitt The Seymour Family Ms K Statham nature reserves Kim Etherton - Member & Chair Marketing Miss K Holden Mr D & Mrs S Craine The Bell-Scott Family 20-21Island Life 34 Super Seagrass Paul Seaward - Member & Chair Finance Mrs J Clark-Wilson The Jones Family The Roberts Family New MWT CEO, Leigh Morris, The marine super green • 5% discount in our Viv Davies - Member & Chair Strategic Miss S Howard Ms J Furner Miss K Taylor answers member's questions Development & Research Mrs S & Mr V Neild The Losh Family Mrs K & Mr P Bergin 35 Andrew Johnston - Member Coronavirus and MWT wildlife gift shop in Peel Miss L Carey Mr T Thurley Dr P Newton & Family 22-23UK News Our response to the pandemic Simon Cain - Member The Shanley Family Ms I M Teare Ms C Scale Stories from The Widlife Trusts across Roger Pullin - Member Sally Bolton - Member Mr A Witherow Mrs D & Mr R Bairstow Mrs Y Murphy Janette Gledhill - Chair Marine The Tattersall Family Mrs J & Mr P Whittle Mrs R Whalley Sign up online using the code Mr E Burn Mrs C Highy & Mr P Welden Mr J Halsall Editor and Designer Manx Nature is are not necessarily Rachel Glover - Member MemberGift or fill in the form on Paul Crocker - Member Mrs D & Mr C Newstead Mrs C Harmer Mrs V Barber Graham Makepeace- produced for the those of MWT. Mr I Byron Mrs A Kneale Dr M & Mrs W Ingram Warne Members and Finished reading this the back and return to Wildlife Limited (Gift Shop) Ms J White & Mr S Semark Mr A & Mrs E Marshall Cover Photo: Supporters of Manx issue? Why not pass it MWT Headquarters. Shop Manager - Rachel Hartnoll Miss L & Mr E Mildwaters Mr C Kneale Graham Makepeace- Wildlife Trust. The on to a friend? Chairman - Andrew Lees Miss L Woodworth Ms P Mason & Mr L Jackson Warne views expressed here Company Secretary - Clare Bryan

2 Manx Wildlife for the Future Coadey Bea-Feie Vannin Protecting Manx Wildlife for the Future CoadeyMANX Bea-FeieNATURE Spring/Summer Vannin son y 2020traa ry-hee3t MWT Gift Membership Form New Team Member Stay connected. Follow us Step 1 - Who is the membership for and how much would Manx Wildlife Trust would like to introduce Local News manxwt f @manxwildlifetrust @manxnature you like to give? our new communication coordinator, www.manxwt.org.uk Category Minimum Rachael Harrop, who joined our team Individual (1 adult) (annually) £30 in March of this year. Rachael has just can be adopted by other schemes on island population, so we are undertaking a citizen completed her Environmental Science but until last year we didn’t realise how far. Joint (2 adults) (annually) £40 where black guillemots are a consideration. science study to collect some baseline data degree through the Open University and One of our seals, number 079, from the It also gives the Peel marina population on their number and distribution. (Includes 2 adults and up has a background in the farming and equine Calf of Man was identified by Sue Sayer Family £48 some additional nesting options if the holes to 4 children under 16. Each family communities. She currently shepherds a from the Cornwall Seal Group Research Your donations will help buy the materials membership includes one membership in the harbour wall are affected in any way." pack and one Watch membership pack flock of rare breed Teeswater sheep, for Trust. Known to them as Tulip Belle, she has we need to run the project and help and season pass - please order below if you would like one pack and season pass their wool, and the UK native Shropshire been travelling between Cornwall and the support our hedgehogs. per child.) (annually) sheep as conservation grazers at Patrick Calf for some time now and has given birth Triathlon Team Sarah is doing the swim, Lara is doing the Wildlife Watch (Includes up to 4 £20 Community Orchard. on the Calf several times over the years. Sarah, Lara and Charlotte,from the children. Each Watch membership cycle and Charlotte is doing the run. includes one membership pack and one This just goes to show the importance of team here at Manx Wildlife Trust, are copy of the Wildlife Watch magazine. If anyone would like to sponsor our collaborative working and the importance participating in the Microgaming Triathlon Please get in touch if you would like one wonderful ladies, there is a Just Giving Page: pack per child.) (annually) of monitoring, albeit not very glamorous. on 10th May, in Ramsey, to raise money for Thanks must go to Sue at the Cornwall Seal our hedgehog project. justgiving.com/fundraising/lara-howe2 Group for taking the time to compare our Step 2 - Please choose your preferred method of payment We know hedgehog numbers have declined or donations can be made in the MWT gift photos with theirs. Payment by cheque, in the UK in the last decade. However, shop in Peel. payable to Manx Wildlife Trust, of Marina Living less is known about the Manx hedgehog We wish them the best of luck! Payment in cash of We will shortly be trialling black guillemot nest tubes in Peel Marina as part of our If you would prefer to pay by card or PayPal, please use The 200 Club is a prize draw designed to help our online membership form. ecological input to the Department of Infrastructure dredging project. They will be raise funds for our conservation work. Winners Step 3 - Your details up in time for this year's nesting season but 200 Club are individually notified and sent cheques by Your Name: it may be 2021 before they take to them, as post. Members can join at any time, the more nest holes have likely already been decided subscribers we have, the bigger the prizes! Your Membership No. upon. Consultant Ecologist Adam Denard - Winners of the Winter 2019 draws: who is leading our involvement - says "It's Step 4 - New member details an experiment really to see if the nest tubes October 2019 1st Prize Miss G Lockett (33) £35.94 January 2020 1st Prize Mrs J Corkish (70) £36.98 Title: 2nd Prize Mr G Woods (34) £23.96 2nd Prize Mr B Denley (15) £24.65 3rd Prize Mrs J Clucas (46) £11.98 3rd Prize Mrs C M Deighan (14) £12.33 Name(s): November 2019 1st Prize Mr C Clucas (60) £35.94 February 2020 1st Prize Mrs J Prescott (26) £36.98 2nd Prize Mrs D Jacobs (32) £23.96 2nd Prize Mr I S Burrell (6) £24.65 Address: Rachael will be overseeing the social media 3rd Prize Mrs S Davidson (12) £11.98 3rd Prize Ms N Watterson (17) £12.33 pages for the MWT, so you will hear more December 2019 1st Prize Mr J C Crellin (57) £36.46 from her if you follow us there! 2nd Prize Mrs H Hyde (21) £24.31 3rd Prize Mr M Kelly (61) £12.15 Post Code: Cornwall JOIN NOW: Please fill in the whole form using a pen and send it to Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit Telephone: 200 CLub, Manx Wildlife Trust, 7-8 Market Place, Peel, IM5 1AB Connection BACS Number 7 6 8 1 2 0 Email: We’ve known for a while now that seals Title Name Name(s) of Account holder(s): Children’s Age Names & can travel large distances in search of food Address Age: Age Age Postcode Telephone Bank/Building Society Acc No: Age Email Branch sort code: Manx Wildlife Trust Membership No Send the welcome pack and membership card to: I wish to apply for membership(s) of the 200 Club and Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society: me to give to the recipient the recipient on my behalf* either enclose a cheque for £ Payable to Manx Wildlife Trust To: The Manager Bank/Building Society *Write this message in the welcome pack on my behalf: or enclose a completed Direct Debit form for £ payable Address ______annually. (Please delete as appropriate. Each membership is £25). ______Signed Date Post Code ______Instruction to your Bank or Building Society Manx Wildlife Trust will never give your details to anybody else. We Please pay Manx Wildlife Trust Direct Debits from the account detailed in this Instruction subject to the may like to contact you occasionally by post, telephone or email. safeguards assured by Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Manx Wildlife Trust and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society. Bank and Building Please complete and return to: Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of accounts. I am happy to be contacted by Manx Wildlife Trust about Graham Makepeace-Warne conservation, membership, fundraising and other activities by: Signature(s) Manx Wildlife Trust 7-8 Market Place Post Email Telephone Date: Peel, IM5 1AB This does not affect your regular mailings or any contact necessary Reference Number: (for office use) for effective administration of your membership or the 200 Club. Do you have a story to tell? Please contact Graham on 844432 or Registered charity no. 225 IOM Registered Company no. 5297 IOM Full member of the Wildlife Trusts. 4 Manx Wildlife Trust is the registered business name of the Manx Nature Conservation Trust email [email protected] to submit content for Manx Nature. MANX NATURE Spring/Summer 2020 5 Swifts epitomise British summertime with their screaming flight. But as fewer of these miraculous birds return

to our skies each year, Sarah Gibson Sarah Gibson reveals how we can help them works for Shropshire Wildlife Trust. She’s met swift experts across Europe, raises local awareness of the birds’ plight The secret and revels in the aerial skill of these lives of awesome birds. swifts

wifts are not the quietest birds. Nor There was a pair nesting in the eaves flies, spiders, beetles, moths; even birds come to the UK when so many of birds during incubation and (S-shaped roof tiles). Gathering are they given to skulking in the of the house next door. They would dragonflies, whirled into the sky, carried our summer days are rain-soaked, making brooding can cause the nest to materials takes time – all the feathers, undergrowth. They live their entire storm down the narrow gap between the on the wind. Swifts drink and bathe, sleep it difficult, you might think, to catch the fail. Swift embryos, by contrast, wisps of grass, tree seeds and flower lives in the open air, scything past buildings with a rush of wings, and perform and even mate on the wing. They fly closer insects they need to feed their young. are resistant to cooling, except sepals must be found on the wing, blowing Son crescent wings, often making piercing a handbrake turn to enter their nest hole. to the sun than any other bird, feeding and The answer must be that, apart from the at the start of incubation. Chicks about in the air. Inevitably, scraps of plastic screeches. Yet, like many people, I never Blink and you’d miss them. Sitting in the resting at altitude. occasional particularly bad year, it works for can become torpid (a state of are now often found woven into the nest, a used to notice them. garden on fine, still evenings, I watched Swifts spend most of their lives in Africa, them – and has done for millions of years. lowered metabolism) to conserve shallow dish glued together with saliva. There had been swallows nesting in them gliding through the air, snapping up but they journey thousands of miles to In fact, our northern summers have a great energy, enabling the parent birds to feed Finding a nest hole is the most crucial a barn near my old home in the Welsh insects, until the light drained from the sky breed in a vast swathe across the world, advantage for swifts – long daylight hours, elsewhere, until the weather improves. thing a swift has to do. Most individuals borders. I’d see them swooping over the and the first bats emerged. from the westernmost fringes of Europe, which allow them to forage for 16 hours a Once they are a few weeks old and have do not breed until their fourth year, but stable door, beaks stuffed with insects eastward to China. Around the globe there day at the season’s peak. fat reserves, swift chicks can survive the young birds still make the migration for their chicks. Later, I’d watch the Life on the wing are estimated to be somewhere between Swifts have several unusual adaptations several days without nourishment, greatly journey and start looking for a safe, dark fledglings practise flying in the safety Swifts are incredibly aerial birds, living 95 million and 165 million of them sailing that enable them to cope with our bad enhancing their chances of fledging in hole. Once they have found one, the of the barn. When I moved to a nearby entirely on the wing for years at a time, across the skies, justifying their English weather. The eggs and chicks of most variable weather conditions. young birds pair up and start to bring in market town, I missed that closeness… rarely touching ground for even a moment. name of ‘common swift’. small birds are vulnerable to chilling, so Swifts make their nests in crevices in feathers and other nest materials.

COMMON SWIFT: ROBIN CHITTENDEN/NATUREPL.COM ROBIN SWIFT: COMMON until I discovered swifts. They catch all their food in the air: aphids, You may wonder why these well-travelled extended feeding forays by the parent walls, under roof eaves or inside pantiles

6 MANX NATURE Spring/Summer 2020 7 Swifts migrate between the UK How to Swifts like high, deep and their wintering grounds south crevices to nest, but of the Sahara. They are the UK’s as many old buildings fastest birds in level flight, reaching distinguish swifts have been lost and speeds of up to 69.3 mph Swifts are not hirundines (the family of roof spaces filled, their birds that includes swallows and martins), numbers have declined but they have a similar appearance and lifestyle, so are often confused with them

Common swift Slender, scythe- Apus apus shaped wings

Uniform dark brown all over

Pale throat patch

Swallow Hirundo rustica White underparts Glossy blue upperparts

The apparent joie de vivre of young because the homes and other buildings blocked, while new housing tends to be written into local planning policy and swifts is breathtaking. You hear them we constructed for ourselves have also sealed completely against nature. Modern building conditions. GET INVOLVED before you see them, screeching over the suited them. Today though, we make it building materials, such as plastic soffits North Wales Wildlife Trust is particularly Long, deeply Red face forked tail and throat rooftops in gangs of seven or eight, racing much harder for these birds to survive. (part of the eaves), offer little potential for active on behalf of swifts. Five ways circuits around buildings. As the poet Fewer insects is likely to be a factor – future weathering and gaps opening up. Ben Stammers, the Trust’s people and Ted Hughes put it: many other insectivorous birds are also We need to accommodate nesting swifts – wildlife officer, is passionate about the to help swifts House martin Their lunatic, limber scramming frenzy in decline – but swifts are also up against and urgently. birds and, since 2014, has raised funds Delichon urbicum Glossy And their whirling blades a catastrophic loss of nesting cavities. to install more than 300 nestboxes on Ensure nesting holes are kept blue-black open when carrying out roof Black tail short and Sparkle out into blue Renovation of old buildings almost always Meet the swift champions schools, houses, university buildings, 1 upperparts renovations or insulation clearly forked Hughes also wrote the much-quoted lines results in access to their holes being Thankfully, an inspirational movement of a community pub, a doctor’s surgery, about the swifts’ return: swift champions is coming to the rescue a theatre and a chapel in the area. Put up a swift box on your house. They’ve made it again, Renovation of old across the UK. Around 90 small groups are More than 60 people have been trained Make sure it’s at least five metres high Which means the globe’s still working, taking action locally. They run surveys to as surveyors and, so far, 500 swift 2 , the Creation’s buildings almost find swift breeding sites, work to prevent records have been submitted to their Stop using garden chemicals to Still waking refreshed, our summer’s nesting holes from being blocked, install database. Dozens of talks, walks and other 3 support a healthy insect population Bright Still all to come always results in nestboxes, share information and help raise events have engaged more than 1,000 Keep records of swifts entering white This anxiety about whether or not ‘our’ access to swift nest awareness through walks and talks – all local people. 4 holes in buildings and tell your rump Underparts white swifts will return each May is something with the support of their communities. Ben sums up what it means to him: local record centre most swift-watchers can relate to, but holes being blocked Several of these groups work with “Seeing joy in people’s faces when they Find out more about swifts and Sand martin concerns have escalated since Ted Hughes’s their regional Wildlife Trusts, which are watch swifts on their own patch is so 5 how you can help protect them at Riparia riparia poem was published over 40 years ago, perfectly positioned to assist grassroots uplifting. I hope swifts can become an wildlifetrusts.org/swifts with a massive and alarming 57% decline in action, such as nestbox schemes in church inspiration for how we can share our living Sandy brown above White belly numbers in the UK recorded between belfries and public buildings. The Wildlife space with wildlife, to the benefit of us all. and throat 1995 and 2017. Trusts also advocate the use of swift nest If we can’t find ways to help a species as Swifts & Us: The life of For thousands of years, bricks – and nature-friendly green spaces fascinating and charismatic as the swift – the bird that sleeps in swifts have lived alongside us, – in new housing developments. Several and one so dependent on us – what hope the sky by Shropshire Trusts are campaigning directly with is there?” I feel sure that’s a sentiment we Wildlife Trust’s Shallow fork local authorities and working with can all agree with. Sarah Gibson will be in tail Brown breast-band As traditional nest sites planners to get the installation of swift published by William separating throat become scarce, you can help nesting bricks (a brick with a hole Collins this spring. from belly by fitting a wooden nest box behind which a nest box is fixed) UPTON NICK EAVES: AT SWIFT SHIELDS, CHRIS ILLUSTRATIONS: CATLEY GRAHAM FLIGHT: IN SWIFTS UPTON, NICK BOX: NEST to your home

8 MANX NATURE Spring/Summer 2020 9 NATURAL CARBON SOLUTIONS

Nature Based Urban Urban greenspaces help make cities be er in a world that’s ge ing ho er. Peatland Young street trees take up carbon dioxide and urban woodlands help control the BY JOANNA RICHARDS Peatlands cover just 3% of the local climate by providing shade and earth’s surface, but store more carbon reducing the street temperature. than any other habitat on land (more Pleasant greenspaces can also than twice the carbon of all the world’s encourage people to walk and forests put together). But when cycle rather than jump We face a climate emergency. Extreme damaged, as in the UK, they release in a car! weather events are on the increase and the carbon, contributing to climate change – so restoration is impacts of a warming climate are becoming essential. evident on our beloved wildlife, with some UK species being pushed to the furthest limits of their natural ranges. To tackle a crisis of this scale, it is imperative every tool in the box is used, and this includes the natural solutions Woodland Grassland offered by our planet. Over half of all carbon As they grow, trees absorb carbon Healthy grassland soaks up and emissions released into the atmosphere from the atmosphere, storing it in stores carbon in its roots and the by humans are re-absorbed by the Earth’s their trunk, boughs and roots and as soil. Grasslands that are undisturbed natural systems. And yet, many of these organic ma er in woodland soils. So, by arable agriculture and protected systems are broken, the habitats providing new woodland creation – through from soil erosion through sustainable them damaged and degraded. Restoring natural regeneration for example – management are important stores. Yet these systems would allow even more carbon helps to combat climate change. in the UK, we’ve lost 97% of our to be absorbed – and The Wildlife Trusts are semi-natural grassland and they playing a leading role in helping this happen. continue to be at risk. At sea, the Trusts fought for the Marine Act 2009: properly implemented it restores our most important carbon absorber and the wildlife that lives within it, including kelp and phytoplankton. On land, 9% of the Seaweed UK’s surface is a huge carbon store with and kelp forests carbon locked up in wet peat. Carbon is also stored in organic rich soils, especially Kelp grows incredibly quickly, sucking those under grasslands and woodlands. For up carbon as it does. These underwater decades, The Wildlife Trusts have pioneered forests provide critical short-term peatland restoration and sustainably carbon stores. When they die, bits of kelp sink into the deep sea, where managed woodlands and grassland Seagrass they remain for a long time. meadows. This work continues, thanks to our supporters, meadows helping in the fight against Saltmarsh climate change. These aquatic flowering plants are Like peatlands and grasslands, responsible for around 10% of all carbon intertidal saltmarsh provides an buried in the ocean, despite covering less important carbon store in its soils. than 0.2% of the ocean floor. They store Saltmarshes also act as a buffer against carbon 35 times faster than rainforests, coastal erosion – although this and but estimates suggest that globally we rising sea levels is leading to the loss are losing an area of seagrass the of this habitat, with only 15% of its size of two football pitches historic range remaining. every hour. Marine sediments

Phytoplankton – miniscule marine algae – absorb carbon as they grow. When they die, some of the carbon they’ve taken up sinks to the ocean floor, where it can remain for thousands of years.

10 ILLUSTRATION: HILLIARD DESIGN MANX NATURE Spring/Summer 2020 11 continual problem in such an old building 17th and was the forerunner to an excellent appear to be remaining fairly stable, with thick stone walls and repainting the second half of the month which produced whilst the establishment of a small Black Calf of Man Bird Observatory walls and floors is an annual task, once another Wood Warbler (18th), Subalpine Guillemot colony below the lighthouses is spring is here and things have dried out a Warbler (20th), a ‘tristis’ Chiffchaff & encouraging. Puffin numbers remain very little. Melodious Warbler (21st), 23 Sanderling (7th low and although a couple of pairs were nd The wood stoves also play an important role Calf record) & Pied Flycatcher (22 ), Stock seen in suitable areas, windy weather 2019 Season Report Dove (23rd) and a second Subalpine Warbler during the summer made boat surveys in drying things out and during the summer rd th Bird Warden Aron Sapsford the stove in the Warden’s lounge was (23 -25 ). impossible. All three ‘large’ gulls had their replaced for a much more efficient system. It is pleasing to also welcome back best breeding season for almost a decade, In fact a little too efficient and it was volunteers from previous years, with with productivity being considerably higher than in recent years. As a result it was he season began somewhat belatedly been undertaken on the Calf and one of the necessary to keep the door to the common Mike Haigh, Stephen Vickers, Dave Neal, room open for the remainder of the season Peter Norrie, Oscar Adedeji, Richard & Gill possible to add 305 Herring Gull, 53 Great when myself, Dan Woollard (Estate first jobs of the new season was to activate Black-backed Gull and 15 Lesser Black- Warden), Di Swayne and Mike Haigh a contingency grid around the Observatory, and allow some of the heat to disperse to Watts, Mark Fitzpatrick and Ed O’Connor T other parts of the building! all returning to assist with bird-related backed Gull to our long-term colour-ringing arrived at South Harbour on the morning after the presence of an individual had study. of the 18th March. An earlier attempt to get been detected near the Observatory Coppicing of the Willow scrub at the monitoring, as well as welcoming new to the Calf had been thwarted by Storm compost heap during the winter. A Withies, which was started in autumn 2018, volunteers Garry & Candice Barker, Andrew Following on from last year’s failure of any Gareth which persisted for the days! considerable amount of time and effort was was continued with the main Withy and (Pedro) Roberts, Miriam Lord, Ian Beggs, raptors to breed, it is pleasing to report that also employed in checking and renewing area to the north of the millpond thinned David Wilkinson and Frank Street. two pairs of Peregrine bred successfully; Spring migration was already underway th many of the non-toxic bait stations and 60 Anniversary Celebration and reduced significantly in height. Work It is often the case that early June can be each raising at least one young – the first with a number of Goldcrest around the time two pairs have bred on the Calf in a Observatory when we arrived and two marker canes, many of which had become to enlarge the water-surface area of the the harbinger of something ‘rare’ and in Moderate to strong easterly winds during single year. Passerines also seemed to have Sand Martin flew through on the 19th - the damaged or lost due to winter weather. millpond was on-going throughout the year; recent years we have managed a run of the 2nd week of the month looked promising a largely successful breeding season, in earliest date for eight years. Wheatears Constant monitoring of these bait points is with teams from Hansard International and spring Red-breasted Flycatchers. Not to but only a handful of spring migrants were particular Stonechat and Wheatear young began arriving from 21st and single Swallows a key element in ensuring that Longtail re- the Civil Defence clearing silt and vegetation be out-done, this year's bird turned up on blown in, with our only Black Redstart of th were particularly numerous during the late were seen on 23rd & 31st March. All Tit infestation of the island is avoided and we during the early spring, removal of spore- the 6 , taking this run of spring records to the year on the 10th being the highlight. summer. species are relatively unusual on the Calf, were particularly helped during this season heads of the invasive Horsetail during the four consecutive years and six individuals in Calmer conditions on the 17th released however we appear to receive a small by the appointment of Di Swayne as our summer and clearing of vegetation and total. Autumn passage began early with the first a rush of migrants and included the first annual spring passage of Great Tit during Volunteer Assistant Warden. Di’s tireless raising water levels in autumn. Our attentions turned more towards the dispersing young Grey Wagtail recorded Whitethroat of the year and our earliest th March and this year was no exception. enthusiasm and energy in ensuring that the from 19 June and an adult Green ever Reed Warbler, beating the previous May got off to an excellent start with a large breeding birds of the Calf, with the growing Coal Tit are generally less regular and a hundreds of sites were visited and checked arrival of more common migrants on the 1st, Eider populations season already well Sandpiper put in an appearance on the record by an astonishing 10 days. Good th single present from 24th – 26th March was each month, often in challenging and poor which included a number of new species under way and many of the seabirds having millpond on the 24 - the first ever record numbers of Willow Warblers arrived over rd just the 13th record for the month. The bird weather conditions, is greatly appreciated. for the species in June. The 3 breeding the next few days, along with our first for the year with Cuckoo, Swift, Garden one of their most successful years in the also exhibited characteristics of the Irish It is pleasing to report that no signs of any record of Willow Warbler was confirmed Grasshopper Warbler (on the 18th) of the Warbler, Tree Pipit and Spotted Flycatcher, past decade. Since Eiders first bred on the subspecies P. a hibernicus which has only Longtails were found during the bait point the following day, when a newly-fledged spring and a Long-eared Owl that roosted in as well as less commonly recorded Marsh Calf in 1992 the species has become well been recorded on the Calf once before, in monitoring, although a second individual juvenile was trapped. For the third the back garden of the Observatory during Harrier and ‘flava’ Wagtail. A Canada Goose established, with perhaps as many as 70 October 1993. for the season was recorded on camera th consecutive year, a Redstart was trapped the 20th – 22nd. The theme of early migrant flushed from the Millpond on the 4 was pairs breeding annually. Efforts to locate trap footage at the Observatory compost an unexpected record, as were two Little nests led to 38 nests being monitored and during the last few days of June. This time arrivals continued with a male Whinchat nd in August, but as with the first sighting the a 2 year male, following a female (with trapped in the Front Field on 25th, the Egret that flew south past the Burroo on the recapture of females at nest show a animal was quickly removed. th brood patch) in June 2018 and a recently- earliest arrival date for 10 years. the 6 . A Short-eared Owl found in the Glen high level of site fidelity from year to year, th th fledged juvenile in 2017. April began with a fine Ring Ousel around on the 9 remained until the 10 , when it with 20 previous year re-traps caught in Volunteers play a vital part in ensuring the Observatory on 1st, although in general put on a good show for passengers from the 2019, including birds from as far back as July continued the early movement theme that we are able to achieve many of other migrants were few and far between. MV Ocean Adventurer during their guided 2009 & 2011. However very little is known with a number of juvenile Blackcaps moving the habitat management and building nd The first Manx Shearwaters were seen tours of the Calf. This is the 2 year running about the origins of these birds or where through, along with Chiffchaff, Willow maintenance tasks on the Calf, as well as ashore on the 4th and the start of a light that this cruise ship, which specialises in they go once they leave the Calf after the Warbler and Goldcrest recorded in the first providing valuable support in assisting spring passage of White Wagtails was nature-based tours, has visited the Island breeding season. Seventeen ‘new’ Eiders week and followed by Sedge Warbler on the with environmental surveys. The long-term th seen from the 6th. The first ‘fall’ of Willow and spent time exploring the Calf. were ringed including the first ever two 15 when an adult female Whinchat was dry stone walling project continued with Warblers on the 7th included at least three males during early May. unexpectedly trapped in the Glen. A second Dave Fisher and Pat Griffiths maintaining A good series of four Lesser Whitethroat P.t acredula types and other new migrants records began on the 11th, whilst a Wood in general had a good year for Green Sandpiper was on the millpond on their long-standing service and completing Seabirds th included a House Martin and Tree Sparrow Warbler on the 12th was the first spring productivity, although the long-term 25 and the beginnings of a mass influx of sections of repair work along the front wall th on the 8th – the latter being relatively Painted Lady butterflies was noted on 30 and back field in April, as well as starting a record since 2011. Bird of the month was decline in Shag breeding numbers continue unusual as a spring bird on the Calf. a Nightingale (19th Calf record) trapped at with a further 20% decline to just 65 when 238 were counted, increasing to a new section at the Twin Fields during June. record count of 850 the following day. The 9th of April marked the 60th anniversary Paul Corrin continues to provide sterling the Observatory on the morning of the pairs. Razorbill and Guillemot numbers of the start of the Bird Observatory on assistance turning his hand to the many the Calf. Back in 1959, Einar Brun and his different projects and tasks that are found Coal Tit wife, Dido, crossed to the Calf and began to be needed both indoors and outdoors. recording the birds that breed here and Maintenance: There were many jobs to move through on migration. There have complete to give the place a spruce-up A few more migrants arrived towards the been 25 different Bird Wardens during prior to the ‘guest’ season starting. Water end of the month with the first Willow the past 60 years, jointly adding at least th ingress through the porch roof continues to Warbler and Blackcap on the 28 and a 60 species to the Manx Bird List. In the th be an issue despite a renewed bitumen roof Yellowhammer trapped on the 30 was an absence of any more formal celebrations th but some remedial works and re-painting unusual capture, being just the 16 ever a cake was cut and a toast to the next 60 with damp-proof paint seems to have made MV Ocean Adventurer ringed here. Since 2012, a programme of years was made. Longtail eradication and monitoring has a significant difference. Dampness is a

12 WORDS AND PICTURES BY ARON SAPSFORD MANX NATURE Spring/Summer 2020 13 2019 was an excellent year for Moth a record count of seven Buzzard was also pland peat habitats have increasingly much of the upland area means that peat is recording on the Calf with 211 species of made. been the focus of climate change not forming, as it is too dry. Carbon in the discussions, both in the UK and peat is actually being lost through erosion, moth, consisting of 128 macro and 83 micro The first signs of an unprecedented U the Isle of Man. Restoration of the Manx adding to our carbon emissions. Reducing species recorded. Eleven new species were movement of Pink-footed Geese were uplands is a key recommendation of the erosion and restoring suitable areas back to added to the Calf list, with seven of these flocks of 22 & 14 on 29th September IMPACT report, written by Professor James blanket bog habitat is an aim of the Manx occurring during the month of July alone. followed by 71 & four on 1st October and Curran, to help the Island achieve net-zero Mires Partnership. Detailed surveys being August started positively with small 11 on the 2nd. These records of five flocks carbon by 2050. carried out by MWT will allow decisions to numbers of warblers continuing to move totalling 122 birds eclipsed the previous Restoring be made about how restoration should be through and included the only Wood total of 100 birds recorded from eight So what is meant by ‘upland restoration’ done, as well as providing baseline data to Warbler of the autumn on the 2nd. sightings in 60 years. Two Brent Geese off and why is it important? The term assess the effectiveness of restoration. Fourteen House Sparrow on the 3rd South Harbour on 2nd October were new for Order ‘restoration’ suggests that we try to return continued an above average showing for year and the first since 2016. an area to its natural habitat type, which Restoration methods may include blocking th thousands of years ago may have been drainage ditches, re-profiling peat hags and the species and Tree Pipit on the 8 was The now annual arrival of Yellow-browed Merlin woodland. The deforestation of the Island reducing grazing levels. These techniques the start of their autumn passage. The Warbler began with a single from the 6th- Mires Officer, during the bronze age led to changes in the can help to reduce the amount of peat, 19th produced four new species for the 12th, with another individual on the 13th and Sarah Hickey soil, creating more waterlogged conditions, and carbon lost to erosion. They can also year, with six Knot, two Arctic Tern, a pale- two new birds on the 14th. Less regular was Up to 45 Twite were present along the east often unsuitable for re-growth by trees. create suitable conditions to improve phase Arctic Skua and Common Gull, along a Great Crested Grebe seen flying south off coast during the first week of November However, blanket bog vegetation is able to the condition, and allow the spread, of with a southerly movement of 1600 Manx Culbery, with Auks, on the 7th being just and a Wheatear on Burroo on 8th was the thrive in waterlogged conditions and even existing blanket bog habitat. This could Shearwater. the 14th Calf record and first since 2005. The latest ever Calf record by four days. creates such conditions – many species of help contribute towards the Island to Of course it's not all about the birds. An eastern theme continued with a 1st year sphagnum moss form hummocks as they achieving net-zero emissions, as blanket immature male Migrant Hawker dragonfly Red-breasted Flycatcher in Mill Giau on The strong passage of Meadow Pipits grow, raising the water table as they can bog vegetation traps carbon from the recorded on the 26th continued the recent the 12th plus a late-ish Reed Warbler at the during the autumn led to a record species hold so much water. Blanket bog and other atmosphere and stores it long-term as peat. trend of this species being relatively Withy, a Pied Flycatcher in Mill Giau on the total of 1,235 being ringed and it was rather mire habitats must once have covered large commonly seen throughout autumn and 13th and the only Treecreeper of the year fitting that, onth 6 November, one was the It is clear that conserving the peat and areas of the Manx uplands, depositing peat confirmed that the species is now breeding there on the 15th. 8,000th bird ringed this year – only the 2nd increasing blanket bog habitat is important in a ‘blanket’ across the landscape. Much of on the Calf. time in the Observatories 61 year history in terms of climate change, but it is also A second winter Mediterranean Gull flew this habitat has now been lost, but the peat that this milestone has been passed. important in protecting upland biodiversity. south off Culbery on 16th and three Short- it laid down is still there in many areas. Blanket bog is an acidic, low nutrient eared Owl were around the islet on 19th, A flock of eightLong-tailed Tits arrived The upland habitats that currently habitat, which supports specialist plant when the beginnings of a good autumn during atrocious weather on the 9th and dominate our hills are dry heath and species such as the insectivorous sundews thrush passage started, with several counts remained to the 10th when they were acid grassland. These habitats are and butterworts. Invertebrates such as in excess of 200 Redwing and 300 Blackbird trapped at the Observatory. One of the important for grazing animals dragonflies, spiders and crane flies thrive during the latter half of October and into birds was a control and subsequently it and our Island agriculture in the wet bog habitat and provide food November. was discovered that the bird had been and they have some value for breeding birds. A mosaic of upland ringed near Doncaster in April 2019. The The good passage of divers continued with for wildlife but are not peat habitats, including dry and wet movement of 285 Km is one of the longer a further Black-throated on the 11th and great for peat. These heath, acid grassland and blanket bog, distances recorded for the species and single Great Northern on the 16th & 26th habitats are the would benefit biodiversity and provide a perhaps most notable as the first recorded with at least five birds present on the 27th. result of recent home for protected species such as hen movement between mainland UK and the Seawatching also provided a 1st winter land management harrier and common lizard, as well as the Migrant Hawker dragonfly Isle of Man for the species. Little Gull on the 24th and 1,390 Kittiwake, practices, such as iconic mountain hare. MWT is leading on th 30 Common Gull and 1,628 ‘Auks’ south off The season ended on 10 November, with peat cutting, the the survey work to assess the quantity of Seawatching continued to provide the main th Culbery on the 27 . a brief weather window providing the digging of drainage upland peat, working closely with DEFA and focus during the first half of September and opportunity to leave the island before more ditches and grazing, increasingly with farmers and land owners with Ed O’Connor returning to keep vigil Road Maintenance: Following some severe autumn storms descended. all of which lower from Culbery, we were treated to a good rainfall which washed a considerable Upland restoration, both on the Isle of Man the water table range of species and numbers including amount of aggregate off the track down to Many people play a vital role in ensuring and in the UK, is a process which will take and create drier Great Northern Diver, 14 Leach’s Petrel, a Cow Harbour, repairs and improvement to everything runs smoothly and we are time but will have immense benefits for conditions. The juvenile Sabine’s Gull and 12 Great Skua on the ditching along the track were carried particularly grateful to the many people biodiversity and the climate of our planet. current condition of 4th and two Leach’s Petrel, Grey Phalarope out. The ‘old’ seawatching hide at Cow that facilitate our programme of work; and Pomarine Skua on 6th. Lighter winds Harbour, which was originally built in the in particular, the boatmen who bring our on the 7th brought a more significant 1970s, was taken down and a ‘new’ three- supplies each week and during the summer passerine movement with 47 Tree Sparrow, man hide erected in its place. Particular months land day visitors to explore the 96 ‘Alba’ Wagtails, 10 Tree Pipit and a Reed thanks are due to Mark Fitzpatrick and Ian islet, both MNH and MWT provide a wide Warbler, increasing with 130 Goldcrest, 25 Beggs for help with the dismantling and range of support and advice and the many Blackcap, 72 Robin, 65 White Wagtail and laying of the new footings and to Mike Prior volunteers that pass through each season 808 Meadow Pipit on the 8th, when an who conducted the majority of the re-build. bring a great sense of achievement and enthusiasm to the place. The Calf is a adult Hobby was found near the Twin Fields Numbers of raptors present on the islet an example of an excellent partnership and remained to the 10th. were noticeably high during the autumn between MNH and MWT. Those that visit with regular daily counts of up to three A quick switch back to the sea produced once are often captivated by its uniqueness. further Pomarine Skuas on the 9th & 11th Sparrowhawk and four Merlin. This was and a Black-throated Diver on the 12th reflected in the species ringing totals of 10 We are currently recruiting for several long- whilst Meadow Pipit passage peaked at and 4 respectively. 3 Merlin were females term volunteer positions during the 2020 1,282 on the 16th and a Wryneck was seen and the biometrics suggest that these birds season. For further information briefly near Cow Harbour on the 17th, when were of the Icelandic race F. c subaesalon. email: [email protected]

14 PICTURES © MARK HAMBLIN2020VISION MANX NATURE Spring/Summer 2020 15 YES, I’LL JOIN MANX WILDLIFE TRUST TODAY! Join us and help to protect Type of membership (minimum donation) Adult Joint Adult Family Wildlife (£3 per month (£4 per month (£4.50 per month Watch only Are you or £30 per year) or £40 per year) or £48 per year) (£2 per month Manx Wildlife for the future or £20 per year) I would like to give (please consider donating more) Member Benefits £ a month (Direct Debit only) or £ a year enjoying this Your details As a member of Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) you will receive: • Manx Nature magazine twice a year Title First Name Surname • Regular e-newsletters to update you on the work you’re magazine? helping to make possible Address • Access to MWT, and other Wildlife Trusts’, Nature Reserves thoughout the UK Postcode • Membership card which entitles you to5% discount in our Peel Gift Shop Tel. No. Email About Manx Wildlife Trust • Exclusive MWT pin badge and car sticker Your partner’s name (if joint or family) MWT was founded in 1973 and is the Isle of Man’s leading Title First Name nature conservation charity. Its members, staff and Surname volunteers support MWT to protect Manx wildlife by: Your children’s details (16 yrs and under for family membership) • Providing space for wildlife on 24 nature reserves First Name Surname Age • Enabling the recovery of native wildlife through our conservation projects

• Inspiring people to value nature Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) will never sell or pass your details to anybody else. We would like to contact you from time to time by post, telephone or email. • Getting people actively involved with I am happy to be contacted by MWT about conservation, membership, fundraising and nature conservation other activities by (please tick all that apply): • Standing up for wildlife in fishing, farming, Post Email Telephone This does not affect your regular membership mailings or any contact necessary for planning and land management And for our Junior Members effective administration of your membership. • Basing our advice and actions on sound science Our younger Wildlife Watch members receive a range Tell me more about volunteering opportunities with MWT (please tick). of benefits to encourage the next generation of Island conservationists: • Cool Wildlife Watch Badge and Membership Card Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit • Wildlife Watch magazine twice a year, packed with Please fill in the whole form and send it to: interesting facts, nature spotting tips, competitions Manx Wildlife Trust, 7-8 Market Place, Peel, Isle of Man, IM5 1AB and fun games to play Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society: To: The Manager • Wildlife Poster, Stickers and Wildlife Watch Handbook Address: • Free Summer Season Pass for our wild events including

rock pooling, bat walks, den building and much more Name(s) of account holder(s) • Access to the exciting Wildlife Watch website with games, ‘wildlife spots’ upload area, and videos and much more! Branch sort code

Bank/Building Society account number

More ways to get involved BACS number Volunteer with us 7 6 8 1 2 0 Reference number (to be completed by Manx Wildlife Trust) Help out in the shop, our offices, at the visitor centres or with our popular Midweek Muckers on the reserves. To Join Instruction to your Bank or Building Society Please pay Manx Wildife Trust Direct Debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may complete the Fundraise remain with Manx Wildlife Trust and, if so, details will be passed to my Bank/Building Society. You can help raise funds for us in so many ways! Our Amount form opposite or supporters have raised funds by organising raffles, holding a cake sale, taking part in a sponsored event or simply donating Monthly/Annually (Delete as appropriate) you can visit at www.manxwt.org.uk/donate Signature(s) www.manxwt.org.uk Leave a legacy /membership By leaving a gift to us in your will, you can help us to protect Date (DD/MM/YYYY) our Island’s natural heritage and ensure that it flourishes for / / future generations to enjoy. Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account.

16 PICTURES © GRAHAM MAKEPEACE-WARNE MANX NATURE Spring/Summer 2020 17 Donate to Big Reserves Support 1 – 30 June Our Nature u Reserves Are yo #30DaysWild ready for #30DaysWild? wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild An update from Reserves

Officer, Tricia Sayle ©Tricia Sayle Can you do something ©Leigh Morris wild every day The weather over the latter part of 2019 and into 2020 has certainly presented some for 30 days? challenges. I have never encountered so much water lying across our meadow sites Please donate now Nature needs us more than as now. Despite this, we’ve had a tremendous turnout of volunteers when we have to enable our vital ever… so take the challenge managed to find a break between “showers”. and share your love of conservation work on nature wildlife this June. The usual winter work involving plenty of muddy ditches has been broken up by some reserves to continue major projects at Ballachrink and Goshen. The felling of more conifers at Ballachrink has coincided with the replacement of another section of fence, part of a rolling Nature reserves are places where programme of improving the boundaries of the meadows. wildlife is protected and undisturbed. Areas like these are so important, Goshen, at 42 acres, is our largest meadow reserve, secured over three occasions particularly in the face of climate starting in 1995. The last part, acquired in 2008, has not been grazed by sheep for change and increasing development. many years, but it is now felt that by constructing a stock proof fence it increases the management options and will enable controlled grazing to take place. Over the last two summers a band of local naturalists have been out and about on We urgently need more money MWT are re-launching our awards scheme to our reserves studying invertebrates, fungi and bats. Some interesting results and new to continue this work. Celebrating Our Volunteers recognise excellence in our volunteers. All our records for the Island have come forth. Surveying will resume soon, this year expanding I would like to donate (please tick)* MWT volunteers, and what they do for our the search to some different sites. wildlife, are fantastic and are extremely important £10 - provides a pair of heavy-duty to us and what we do for wildlife. Through A big thank you to all those who have helped on the reserves so far this year in work gloves these awards we aim to recognise and celebrate whatever capacity. £20 - provides 13 fence posts for volunteers who have delivered something of If you would like to join the Muckers or help with gathering biological data on the essential repairs on fencing particular note for Manx Wildlife. This could be reserves, then please contact our Volunteering Officer by email at £50 - one year's supply of milk for over a sustained period of time, or a specific act. [email protected] or call 844 432 volunteers during practical tasks We are asking you our members, volunteers and £75 - one month's fuel for the staff to nominate such individuals (or perhaps reserves truck specific groups of our volunteers) who you Scarlet elfcap a believe are worthy of such an award. If you common fungus on the £100 - Two 50m rolls of pigwire vital for making meadow reserves would like to make a nomination all you need curragh reserves stockproof to do is send the name(s) of the person/group you are nominating, plus a few lines stating why Other ______they deserve such an award. Please send this to Graham Makepeace-Warne, our Marketing & *Please make cheques payable to Membership Manager, at our Peel Office or email Manx Wildlife Trust th [email protected] by 29 May. Name:______Telephone:______A panel will review the nominations and decide Email:______the recipients. These will then be presented at our AGM (NB: all those chosen for an award will Please return this form to: be contacted by MWT to ensure they would like to receive it, before any announcement is made). Manx Wildlife Trust 7-8 Market Place Peel, IM5 1AB Isle of Man

18 ©Alison Skyner MANX NATURE Spring/Summer 2020 19 1. Why did you want to be CEO of Manx extent knew what I was coming to. their Head of School of Horticulture, then “Proud to Partner” in the Biosphere, we will biodiversity. However, we have a fantastic volunteers and our expanding membership Wildlife Trust? 3. What is your goal for Manx Wildlife Director responsible for all education and be championing the status strongly and my opportunity to do that in the Isle of Man base of individuals and organisations, I was looking for a leadership role with Trust? learning. I was also involved in several aim is for us to be able to work more closely and to really make a big difference. we are extremely well positioned to overseas conservation projects for RBGE with other partners under the Biosphere drive real positive change for our natural a remit that I care passionately about, MWT are already the largest conservation 8. What do you feel are the biggest working with motivated people in a in some fascinating places, including a banner. challenges and opportunities facing MWT environment. NGO in the Isle of Man, with a remit that long-term secondment to the Sultanate wonderful place. I believe this role with spans all our biodiversity, from birds to 6. It’s great to see you so active on right now? 9. Will you be diving into the new role? MWT offers all this, plus the opportunity to of Oman. From RBGE I moved to a similar Twitter, is good social media engagement basking sharks, from bats to butterflies, Director role for the Royal Zoological Like all charities, money and our financial Ha, ha! I think this was a question from help the IoM truly deliver a model of island and from orchids to porpoises. My aim is important? sustainability is a real challenge now someone who knows of my love of scuba sustainability and biodiversity conservation. Society of Scotland, which taught me about that we absolutely deliver on the agenda the value of zoos and wildlife parks and Communicating effectively with people is made harder by coronavirus. Many of our diving. I am certainly planning to do some As I’ve become older, I have become for net biodiversity gain for the Island by wider conservation – including beaver crucial in driving engagement and positive members may not know that MWT operate scuba diving around the Island and have increasingly motivated by nature working intrinsically with IoM Government, reintroductions and Scottish wildcat behaviour change for conservation. In on a significant annual financial deficit. This already started my Technical Diver training conservation and this role gives me the Manx National Heritage and in genuine conservation. I was then the first CEO of the 2020, social media is a fundamentally keeps constant pressure on our team and with Michelle and Steve at ‘Discover Diving’ opportunity to become part of the Wildlife partnerships with the other conservation National Land Based College, developing, important engagement tool for a great greatly reduces our potential impact. There in Port St Mary. I’m also looking forward Trust movement, which is a key federation organisations. careers, curriculum and delivery tools for many audiences and in my role as the is much more we could do for the long- to helping Tony Glen and our own Dr Lara and a logical next step for me. 4. What was the path you took to get to all the c.70 land based colleges across the CEO of a charity I don’t see a choice. This term benefit of nature of the Isle of Man if Howe with the Seasearch survey diving. 2. What attracted you to the Isle of Man? where you are today? UK. Then followed two glorious years on St is something I absolutely must do. My we had additional funds to purchase more In respect to ‘diving into my role with Helena, and now to the Isle of Man! ambition is that MWT build up the network land, employ more staff, develop more I’ve just had a fantastic two years on My career started over 35 years ago on MWT’… Yes! I bring lots of enthusiasm to of people engaging with us on social media. projects and engage with more people. my new post and I am certainly trying to the tiny sub-tropical island of St Helena a Youth Training Scheme on a large tree 5. How do you feel about the Isle of Man Every ‘like’ and ‘re-tweet’ helps! immediately prior to joining MWT and nursery in North Yorkshire (Johnsons of as a UNESCO Biosphere reserve? There are some big opportunities that exist meet with many people and organisations, 7. Do you feel optimistic about the future? right now for MWT. The new environmental understand the culture of the Island and through both work and travel I have visited Whixley), before attending college and I’m excited by our UNESCO Biosphere a number of islands around the world. I university to study horticulture and I Yes, absolutely. I have always been an plan for the Island (following Professor make some positive connections quickly. status and it was certainly a factor in my Curran’s report) and the forthcoming I’m also spending quality time with our very much enjoy island life and being close subsequently managed a plant nursery for decision to move to the Isle of Man. It is a optimistic person (my mum instilled the to the sea, and so moving to another island 8 years. I then moved into education, as a power of positive thinking into me at a Agri-Environment scheme provide big MWT team, visiting our nature reserves (18 great banner to have and I believe it offers strategic drivers for positive environmental out of 24 to date) and have been to both with its own unique culture and spectacular lecturer/training officer, then manager at us a tremendous opportunity to drive young age!) There are certainly challenges natural habitat was an attractive prospect. a large land based college, before enjoying for our natural world and much for MWT progress and biodiversity net gain. We our visitor centres. It’s a wonderful place, cross-island collaboration to achieve world- are the one NGO on the Island with a remit and organisation, and there’s lots of I had visited the IoM a couple of times 10 wonderful years at the Royal Botanic leading sustainable island management. and organisations like us to do to conserve previously, liked it greatly and to some Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), initially as our wonderful natural spaces and amazing remit across all our biodiversity, and with great things to do. I’m looking forward to I am determined that MWT are overtly our skilled passionate team of staff and my years ahead in the Island…

Treeplanting at Ohio Diving with a whale with volunteers shark in St Helena

Island Life Leigh Morris, answers questions from our social media followers

Looking for Nurdles in Port Erin with Eleanor Cain

20 © WORDS AND PICTURES BY LEIGH MORRIS MANX NATURE Spring/Summer 2020 21 NEWS UK NEWS UK HIGHLIGHTS UK UPDATE 100 miles wilder Discover how The Space for nature should be at the heart the current proposals for housing, road Wildlife Trusts are 1 of our planning and farming systems. This and rail and stay within environmental helping wildlife 2 A bottlenose is the only way we can create a Nature limits for nature, carbon and water. across the UK dolphin leaps Recovery Network, enabling wildlife to Special habitats are under threat, 3 clear of the thrive across the landscape and bringing including ancient woodland and grazing water in the nature into our daily lives. marsh, which supports rare and declining Moray Firth But current proposals wading birds like curlew and redshank. Inspirational youth for developing the The Wildlife Trusts have created an Over the last year, over 2,800 land between 1 alternative vision for this land: 100 miles young people aged 11-25 rolled Oxford and of wilder landscape in which people can up their sleeves to help nature thrive Cambridge live, work and enjoy nature. By protecting in their local area. The Grassroots do not have nature and connecting the wildest places, we Challenge project, led by Ulster at their heart. can introduce a new way of planning Wildlife, gave young people the Without proper that has nature and people’s wellbeing at opportunity to unleash their passion, assessment, government the centre. Find out more wildlifetrusts. creativity and potential to make a cannot know whether the org/100-miles-wilder real difference to their environment area could support UK UPDATE and community. ulsterwildlife.org/ news/inspirational-youth Attenborough appeal A big splash for UK seas New leader for 2 Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust launched an appeal to raise £1 The Wildlife Trusts million to safeguard Attenborough Nature Reserve, a wild oasis at the - our 2019 marine review The Wildlife Trusts are delighted to wel- edge of Nottingham that’s home come Craig Bennett as their new Chief to large numbers of wildfowl. The Executive Officer. appeal was supported by Sir David ogether, the Wildlife Trusts form the are healthy seas to support them.” One of the UK’s leading environmental Attenborough and raised over UK’s largest marine conservation Our fight to secure this network saw a huge 2019 IN NUMBERS campaigners, Craig joins The Wildlife Trusts to protect and restore bee populations. £900,000 in the first month. organisation. Our Living Seas teams T victory last summer, with the designation from Friends of the Earth, where he was Craig Bennett says: “The Wildlife nottinghamshirewildlife.org/ are the eyes and ears of the UK’s coast. of 41 new Marine Conservation Zones. n Over 5,000 volunteers Chief Executive. Trusts are an extraordinary grassroots lifelineappeal Throughout 2019, with the help of over 2019 also saw a welcome boost for some supported coastal Wildlife Trusts In a conservation career spanning over 20 movement that is uniquely placed to 5,000 volunteers, they did wonderful of our struggling seabirds. On Handa with beach cleans, surveys and years, Craig has led a movement to end work with local communities to make Spooky sighting things for the wildlife in our seas. Island, Scottish Wildlife Trust counted shore-based events. peat cutting on important moorlands, this happen and ensure a wilder future, and 3 A ghost slug was discovered in the Careful monitoring revealed some 8,207 razorbills, the highest number since helped secure better wildlife legislation I could not be more pleased to have been gardens of Devon Wildlife Trust’s fantastic good news stories around our 2006, though the population is sadly still n More than 200 sharks, skates through The Countryside and Rights of Way asked to lead them at this Cricklepit Mill. The origins of this shores, from bumper breeding seasons to in trouble. In North Wales, Sandwich Terns and rays were tagged as part Act 2000 and, more recently, led successful incredibly important moment.” mysterious species are uncertain, but amazing discoveries. had a bumper year, with 800 chicks fledging of Ulster Wildlife’s SeaDeep campaigns to highlight climate change and wildlifetrusts.org/new-leader it’s thought to be a native of Ukraine. A new citizen science project logged 320 compared to just 180 in 2018. project, helping us monitor these Since ghost slugs were first discovered sightings of cetaceans off Yorkshire’s east vulnerable animals. in the UK in 2007, there have been Sadly, it wasn’t all good news. Several a scattering of sightings, mainly coast, including minke whales, bottlenose Wildlife Trusts reported an increase in n Two giant gobies were among from South Wales. It’s a predator of dolphins and harbour porpoises. There disturbance. jet skis, kayakers, boats and 1,310 species recorded in just An insect apocalypse earthworms and may cause problems was good news for seals too, with Cumbria drones have all been recorded causing 24 hours as Devon Wildlife A new report, Insect Declines and Why for our native worms if it becomes Wildlife Trust counting a site record of distress to marine wildlife like dolphins, Trust’s Wembury Marine Centre They Matter, commissioned by an established. 483 grey seals at South Walney, including seals and seabirds. Plastics, ocean litter celebrated its 25th anniversary. alliance of Wildlife Trusts in the south seven pups. Elsewhere, an individual seal, and discarded fishing gear also continue to devonwildlifetrust.org/news/ghost west, concluded that drastic declines in nicknamed Tulip Belle, was discovered devastate marine wildlife, though Wildlife n 27 tonnes of litter and fishing gear insect numbers look set to have far- commuting between the Isle of Man Trusts around our shores cleared up huge collected by fishermen for Yorkshire reaching consequences for both wildlife and Cornwall. amounts of litter, including 2.5 tonnes Wildlife Trust’s Fishing 4 Litter. and people. The report concludes: “if Lara Howe, Manx Wildlife Trust’s marine picked up by the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. insect declines are not halted, terrestrial officer, says: “It shows that seals will swim All of this was made possible by the Get involved and freshwater ecosystems will collapse, great distances for food and a place to pup, fantastic support of all our volunteers and We need to put nature into with profound consequences for human highlighting the importance of a network members. For more amazing stories head recovery on land and at sea. Join us on wellbeing.” wildlifetrusts.org/urgent- of Marine Protected Areas around the UK, our campaign for a wilder future: to wildlifetrusts.org/marine-review-19 action-insects so that wherever marine wildlife goes there wildlifetrusts.org/wilder-future REDSHANK: TOM MARSHALL, MARSH FRITILLARY: ROSS HODDINOTT/2020VISION, GHOST SLUG: PHIL SANSUM PHIL SLUG: GHOST HODDINOTT/2020VISION, ROSS FRITILLARY: MARSH MARSHALL, TOM REDSHANK: BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN: JOHN MACPHERSON/2020VISION JOHN BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN:

22 MANX NATURE Spring/Summer 2020 23 Interesting Insects Moths and Butterflies Education and Biodiversity Officer, MWT volunteer, Gail Jeffcoate Dawn Dickens

Did you see the Painted Ladies last year? Many visited gardens to feed on nectar from Buddleia and many more could be seen in the countryside across the Island. Painted Ladies cannot overwinter here, and arrive each year from the continent, but they can breed here. The caterpillars feed on thistles and the resulting adults fly away southwards in late summer. the common Shaded Broad-bar and the the Comma and Speckled Wood, have Red Admirals and Clouded Yellows are scarce Dew Moth (inset left), which lives arrived and the latter is now a common also migrants, but there are a further on rocky shores where the caterpillars sight across the Island. New moths are 16 butterfly species that are resident, ie feed on lichens. recorded every year, some becoming they breed and overwinter, here. Several, established here, such as the Clouded including the Grayling, Wall, Dark Green Several of our moths are very scarce in Buff and Brindled Beauty. But while Fritillary (pictured) and Small Heath are of the British Isles and Manx populations these new arrivals have extended their conservation importance due to declines are therefore of great conservation ranges in the warmer temperatures we in their numbers in many parts of the importance. The Dew Moth, Thrift are now experiencing, many are declining British Isles. Clearwing and Grey are examples. The tiny but beautiful Scarce Crimson and Gold in their traditional ranges due to loss, © DAWN DICKENS Moths are less readily seen than (inset right), a micromoth that can be degradation, fragmentation and isolation butterflies, but there are many more of found at the Ayres, otherwise occurs only of their habitats, and climate change e have all heard the facts about lay their eggs in the nests of other solitary its back. It prefers ancient oak woodlands them! Some are big ‘macromoths’, others at the Burren in western Ireland and a few brings threats as well as benefits. insect population decline, to bees and wasps, especially Mason Bees. with high humidity so our celtic rainforest tiny ‘micromoths’. Some are colourful, places in Northern Ireland. It is extinct in Butterflies, moths and other insects are a quote Dave Goulson’s recent When the eggs hatch, they eat the larvae zones are ideal habitat. This is the largest others are cryptically coloured and hard W Great Britain. vital part of the food chain. Look out for report, the abundance of insects may of the Mason Bees and develop - this gives land slug species in the world growing to spot among leaves or on tree trunks. events where you can learn more about have fallen by 50% or more since 1970. the Ruby-tailed Wasp its other name of up to 30cm. It was rediscovered on the Only two species eat our clothes. Moths Climate change is bringing new species to them and get involved in conserving these The bulk of animal life on earth is made 'Cuckoo Wasp'. Island in 2011 after 100 years of no are fascinating, but the sheer number of our shores. In recent years two butterflies, fascinating and important creatures. up by invertebrates, this includes insects, The Dark Bush Cricket (ictured) is more sightings. Unloved by many, slugs play an species can be daunting to a beginner. The spiders, worms, slugs etc and they are commonly found in the south of England important role providing food for all sorts best way to get to know moths is to start vitally important for our plants with roles but we have a small population on the of mammals, birds, earthworms, insects with the day-flyers. As the term suggests such as pollinating, nutrient recycling and Island. It’s a bit of a mystery why they and are a part of the natural balance. They these are active during the day and some even pest control. are here but we suspect our warmer eat decomposing vegetation, dog faeces are easy to identify. Many people are The Isle of Man has a rich biodiversity of maritime climate helps. They are in two and even carrion. Upset that balance by familiar with the bright red and black invertebrates for the size of land mass isolated locations on the Island and can removing them and we can do a lot of Cinnabar and its orange and black striped and this is largely due to the diversity of often be seen sunbathing on bramble. harm. Thrushes in particular, thrive on caterpillars that feed on Ragwort (Cushag). habitats ranging from rocky coastlines to Typically their bodies are dark brown or them! Here’s a strange fact, a Slug’s blood The Six-spot Burnet, often seen on coastal soft cliffs, woodlands to peat bogs etc. green with a lighter patch on top of their is green! grassland, is also red and black but with a Many of the species have an incredible thorax and a yellowish underside. The As part of our citizen science projects the different pattern. Other dayflyers include lifecycle so choosing some to write about males are very aggressive, defending their Manx Wildlife Trust runs an invertebrate was quite a challenge but here is a tour of territories against intruders. Females are group with the aim to increase some of our species. distinctive with their up turned ovipositors identification skills and gather data about The beautiful Ruby-tailed Wasp (inset) with which they lay eggs in late summer Manx species. The group meets every has a head and thorax of a shiny blue- in rotting wood or bark crevices; they month and everyone is welcome, it’s an green colour, and the abdomen is a deep emerge 18 months later, so odd-year and informal group ranging from experts to ruby-red. It is one of many species of even-year Dark Bush-Crickets never meet. beginners. We spend the winter months solitary bee and wasp that can be spotted The Ash Black Slug is a large species of with microscope and identification in a range of habitats from walls to sandy air-breathing land slug, despite its name sessions then branch out into field work quarries, rocky outcrops to tree trunks. it is actually dark grey in colour with a during the warmer months, do come The adult females of the Ruby-tailed Wasp wavy light grey keel (ridge) running along along and join us. Keep an eye on our facebook page and website for details.

24 © CHRIS LAWRENCE © WORDS AND PICTURES BY GAIL JEFFCOATE MANX NATURE Spring/Summer 2020 25 GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE

utterflies and moths have suffered huge hedgehogs and amphibians. So by gardening for Gardening for declines in recent years. This is largely due to moths, we can also help other wildlife. Bhabitat loss, but agricultural pesticides and As adults, most butterflies and moths drink climate change have made life even more challenging nectar, but their caterpillars eat leaves and other for many species. Happily, there’s plenty we can do plant material. To make them truly welcome in our to help them on our own patch, no matter its size. gardens, we need to support all stages of their life Kate Bradbury moths and Grow nectar-rich flowers The UK’s gardens take up more space than all of its cycle by growing nectar-rich flowers for the adults is passionate about wildlife-friendly Make sure something is in nature reserves put together, so if we all gardened with and foodplants for the caterpillars. We also need to butterflies and moths in mind, we could help slow, or accommodate the stage in between caterpillar and gardening and the flower from March through author of Wildlife to November, starting with even reverse, some of these declines. adult – the chrysalis (butterfly) or cocoon (moth). We tend to feel more fondly about butterflies than Many species spend the winter in this vulnerable Gardening for butterflies primroses, bluebells and forget- Everyone and moths, which can be viewed with ambivalence as stage so leave a little patch to grow a bit wild for me-not in spring, then alliums, Everything in By day and by night, gardens large and small can provide a haven they fly at night and a few species eat our clothes. them. Making space for butterflies and moths to lavender and scabious in late association with But not all moths fly at night – the Six-spot Burnet feed, breed and hibernate in our gardens will make for Britain’s beleaguered butterflies and moths.Kate Bradbury summer, and late-flowering The Wildlife Trusts. suggests nine ways to support all the stages of their life cycles Verbena bonariensis, sedums and Hummingbird Hawkmoth can be spotted all the difference to these struggling pollinators. and rudbeckias in autumn. during the day – and many of them are just as beautiful as their day-flying cousins. Only about five Discover more ways to welcome moths and Plant some climbers of our 2,500 species eat clothes and moth caterpillars butterflies into your garden on our website: ILLUSTRATION: HANNAH BAILEY, PHOTO: SARAH CUTTLE SARAH PHOTO: BAILEY, HANNAH ILLUSTRATION: are an important source of food for nesting birds, wildlifetrusts.org/butterflygarden Bare fences and walls are a wasted opportunity to help butterflies. Cover them with Grow night-scented plants Avoid cutting down plants and provide nectar-rich Plant groups of common jasmine, flowers and shelter for species, plants in autumn Plant a mixed native hedge evening primrose, honeysuckle such as brimstones, to hibernate. Some butterflies, such as and night-scented stock together, If you grow hops, comma orange-tips, overwinter If you have space, plant a native so that moths can find them butterflies may lay their eggs on as chrysalises, which tree or two. Many moths lay their more easily. its leaves. makes them vulnerable eggs on the leaves of willow, dog to tidying. Leave plants rose, birch and hawthorn. Grow intact over winter and a climber, such as honeysuckle, clear them in spring through the hedge to make it even instead. Always check for more moth-friendly. chrysalises just in case! Provide caterpillar Leave some weeds foodplants Many moths lay their eggs on Butterflies need the right the leaves of nettles, brambles, Add a window box plants to lay eggs in your dock and dandelions. Even leaving If you don’t have a garden. Grow cuckooflower weeds at the back of borders, garden or your space is for caterpillars of the where you can’t see them, will small, grow nectar-rich orange-tip butterfly, make a difference. flowers in pots, window nettles for peacocks, small boxes or hanging tortoiseshells and red baskets. Choose low- admirals, and holly and ivy growing primrose and for the holly blue. Don’t be too tidy lavender for pots, and While some moths breed nasturtiums for baskets. in long grass, many caterpillars and pupae spend winter hibernating in grass or among leaf litter and other plant debris. Leave things where they are in autumn and winter, and tidy up in spring instead.

To find out more about butterflies or if you've seen them in your garden please go www.manxwt.org.uk/Butterflyto or Manx Butterfly Conservation's Facebook page www.facebook.com/ManxButterflyConservation/at 26 Magazine Name | Spring 2020

26 MANX NATURE Spring/Summer 2020 27 Conserving Natural History Manx Museum Natural History Curator, Laura McCoy

Dead things, thousands of them. My job as a curator of natural reconstruct a landscape just from one specimen and can even history is to look after everything related to the natural world use that knowledge for restoration in the future. We live in a in the Manx Museum, starting from the beginning of the time of unprecedented environmental alteration, with climate solar system (e.g. meteorites older than the Earth) through change, habitat destruction, pollution, invasive species and to microscopic organisms, plants, fungi, shellfish, eggs, nests, over-exploitation all contributing to species declines (Millennium invertebrates, fossils, skeletons, animal skins, and taxidermy, Ecosystem Assessment 2005, IPBES 2019)1. Natural history although the list doesn’t end there. ‘Look after’ is a vague term. collections help us keep a track of all of that and more. I safeguard and keep track of everything so that if someone Some will ask why you need the physical specimen, isn’t the data wants to look at a specimen I can find it. That means identifying, enough? But what if by taking a DNA sample you discovered preserving, labelling, adding all the information and also using something that looked similar, but on close examination was the appropriate storage. Should something be kept dry, like actually new to science! Some mycologists (fungi specialists) at bones, or should it be stored in alcohol so that it retains its Kew tested a jar of dried porcini mushrooms from Waitrose. Far shape, like small spiders? Our stores are divided up into sections: from what you might expect, they found that there were actually geology, botany and zoology, then these are further subdivided. 17 different species in there, three of which had never been Each group has a taxonomic order, so things that are closely found before. There is still so much we don’t know. related are kept together. Think of it like a supermarket, I even have a freezer section, but you don’t want to eat any of it … When I took this role and moved to the Island in 2017 I knew very little about the Isle of Man; I had never been here and Sometimes we have more than one of something, we have aside from knowing that it didn’t have certain things like moles, several hedgehogs, burnet roses and a whole drawer of peacock badgers and snakes, I had a lot to learn. What I found was butterflies. Most of these, and certainly the newer ones, all have that, although it has similarities to its neighbours, it is a unique their own little label of when they were collected, where and by combination of all of them and has its own individual character; whom; I have examples dating back to the early 19th century. but being a small Island means that character is very fragile and People ask, ’why do you have so many, don’t you just need much more sensitive to change than its larger neighbours. We one?’ but that information makes each of those specimens like need to be on our guard to monitor and protect our countryside a biogeographical snapshot in time, they may look the same but more closely than ever, through surveys, biological recording, they are unique. Each species is specialised to live in a particular habitat restoration and investigation. Some think of museums habitat - take the Bilberry Bumblebee (Bombus monticola) for as only focusing on the past but collections, particularly instance. This species is found almost exclusively on moorland in natural history, curate for tomorrow and we address real world association with stands of Bilberry and is very specialised, so if challenges by supporting positive change using research, a place has altered for some reason and this little bee becomes ideas, partnerships, exhibitions, events, consultations, policy locally extinct due to development, drainage, farming, etc. we and strategy to address key topics and enhance social and will still know that at one point in time they were there. You can environmental impact (McGhie, H.A., 2019)2.

A current work in progress repackaging the egg collection. Old storage materials can be unsuitable by modern standards, there can be issues such as them being acidic or not offering enough protection.

When the first ever Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) recorded in the Isle of Man stranded itself in Castletown and died, I decided it would be a great addition to the cetacean skeletons that we already have on display in the museum’s natural history gallery. To prepare out a skeleton one of the best methods is burying the carcass in compost, so that involved piling up a very large heap of horse manure and straw. Curating is very varied, sometimes you even get to shovel poo.

28 PICTURES © LARA MCCOY - 1MILLENNIUM ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT (2005). ECOSYSTEMS AND HUMAN WELL-BEING: SYNTHESIS. ISLAND PRESS, WASHINGTON DC. - 2MCGHIE, H.A. (2019). MUSEUM COLLECTIONS AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION. CURATING TOMORROW, UK. MANX NATURE Spring/Summer 2020 29 Southern Group Northern Group During 2019 Scarlett Visitor Centre easily identified by its new sign – too far and the water courses flowing. After a special appeal in the last issue local sealife and birdlife are in place. All fledged; Oystercatcher 18 fledged; Curlew welcomed nine hundred and thirty three continues to attract more visitors, human Once a year Tricia cuts the wildflower of Manx Nature in 2019, we have been we need now is some help from the DoI at least three fledged. (These came from visitors. That number excludes the groups and non-human. area so that we can rake off the grass to lucky enough to secure two new members (road improvements vitally needed to over 160 nests monitored in total across for the volunteer rota, welcoming Mike encourage more drivers to come to the these species) Dawn Dickens attracted for rock pooling Committee member, Sheila Norris, allow new flower growth. and fossil sessions. On one occasion it Bathgate and Alan Marshall; and also to Centre without vehicle damage) and car Unusual bird visitors included Hoopoe, compiles the species records, organises So many people have generously given welcome back to the rota two members park improvements at the reserve entrance was seventy children and twenty adults! the work party sessions and maintains time and help to our Group and we thank: Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Ruff, Long-tailed of the families affected by serious health (hopefully courtesy of Manx National Duck, Quail, Lapland Bunting and Snow the Ballachurry Blog. This is a major task. Andree Dubbeldam, who led a very happy issues last year, Marinda Fargher and Jean Heritage). Those from other groups who specialise and interested group on a walk around Bunting. Spotted Flycatcher bred in the Shimmin. At the same time, we say farewell, Warden David Wright joined DEFA in 2019 plantation for the first time. in various species help with identification. the Mull /Meayll Hill. Andree explained and a special thank you, to Sue Kneale For example, last autumn Karen and how the historic use of the site had on a year’s contract, subsequently extended Full surveys showed very high counts of whose work and other commitments have to April this year, covering the National Mick Rodger of the Manx Fungus Group produced its current biodiversity. changed. Altogether, we have a larger Northern Marsh Orchid and Early Marsh identified more than a dozen new fungi Nature Reserve and the Point of Ayre. Orchid but a slight decrease in Early Purple Members of the IOM Fungus Group for group than we finished the season with For some years, we have been fortunate on the reserve including Pipe Fungus a well attended fungi identification foray in 2019, but our watchword is flexibility Orchid; then, in the autumn a record count (Typhula fistulosa ) which was only the to be supported by Louise Samson with of Field Gentian. The Isle of Man Cabbage into South Barrule Plantation. and that will continue to be our greatest valuable information, and David has been second sighting of this fungus recorded strength. was counted in good numbers at two on the Island. Richard Hartnoll, who gave a talk to a a welcome complement. He has supplied locations. packed Mount Tabor Church hall about As well as the fauna and flora, we have regular reports during our open season the creatures encountered on his cruise other features at the AVC to delight our (Easter, then May to Sept). These more Moth trapping revealed some unusual dune from Zanzibar to Mauritius – and a visitors to the Ayres at Ballaghennie. First, detailed reports, together with the updated species such as Archer’s Dart and Shore mention of the last dodo, lost but not we are easier to find this year. In the close board on the wall at the AVC, means we Wainscot. Painted Lady was seen in good numbers during the summer, with a small International visitors came from Australia, forgotten! season, thanks to the DoI, we have helpful volunteers can provide more specific autumn influx of Clouded Yellow. All other Austria, Canada, China, Costa Rica, new signage at key points on the A10 Bride information to interested visitors. David’s Jean Buck for organising the Shoprite butterfly species were present in good Denmark, St. Helena, U.S.A. and Vietnam. to Jurby road. final report of the season included the bucket collection. numbers, though specific surveys were not Quite a world hub! following: Committee members, Karen and Janet, Next, sometimes we don’t make enough undertaken.” The natural history of Scarlett is of the value of the Viewing Platform, both “A full Breeding Bird Survey was completed, for the Christmas Wreath Workshop. Lots for visitors to see across the seasons, remarkably diverse and is home to a when we are there and when we aren’t! showing for the key species - chicks The volunteers at Scarlett Visitor Centre if they are observant, - and have some luck wealth of flora and fauna. It deserves Rushen Commissioners have very kindly It offers the best possible marine views, hatched/juveniles fledged: Little Terns and those who put in hard work at of course! to be respected. Many visitors are well agreed to take over the mowing of the whether it be sealife, birdlife or IOM and 24/14; Arctic Terns 83/8 (after major Ballachurry work parties. informed and the volunteers on duty grass at Ballachurry Reserve. This is a Scotland coastlines. It is available 24/7, predation in early July); Ringed Plover 15-20 We look forward to seeing all our members appreciate hearing about their sightings huge help and the Ballachurry volunteers Most of all we appreciate the interest of 365 days a year (366 this year). We added as well as the visiting public, when we can the fixed binoculars last year and now four open, to share this unique place. illustrated and informative boards about

at Scarlett and other parts of the Island. are extremely grateful. MWT members and the wider public who Equally welcome are those who say they Ballachurry Open Afternoon last August support our events. We look forward to have spotted something and wonder was supported by various wildlife interest seeing you later this year. what it is. The identification books are groups who set up their stalls. It was so Volunteers, we need you on the Scarlett opened and more often than not the enjoyable having these groups coming rota. We would love to have the Scarlett mystery is solved. together and sharing their interests. Visitor Centre open for more than four Thanks to Graham Makepeace –Warne’s The coming year should see work start on afternoons per week during the summer efforts, joined by volunteers from Search a dragonfly pond. Planning requirements but we can only do this if more people and Rescue, many of the items that had have taken quite some time and we do volunteer. No specialist knowledge is been dumped into the quarry pool during not want to have excavations proceeding required. Ballachurry Reserve also has past years have been removed. during bird nesting season, so we will monthly work parties from late summer have to be patient for a little longer. to early spring. More volunteers are For the coming year we will look at work always welcome to come along. the building requires to keep it in good Some paths and boardwalks need condition. refurbishment in addition to the ongoing If you would like to help please contact work of keeping the paths clear, the grass the Mires and Volunteering Officer via Ballachurry Wetlands Reserve – now mown, the brambles from encroaching [email protected]

30 WORDS BY MARGARET KELLY, PICTURES © SHEILA NORRIS WORDS AND PICTURES © IAN DAVIES MANX NATURE Spring/Summer 2020 31 archive boxes at their facility in Douglas currently being supported by Co-op's you do any online shopping. Many online in return for a complimentary corporate members Community Fund. Last year retailers donate a penny in every pound. It Ramsey Grammar School received nearly doesnt sound like much but it all adds up. Good For Business £18k from this fund so this could really We always have a range of interesting Marketing & Membership Manager, projects waiting in the wings and they inevitably cost money to deliver. Businesses Graham Makepeace-Warne can really make a difference for us through sponsorship. Have a look at the list below. Maybe you could show this list to As a member of Manx Wildlife Trust you • Invitation to exclusive Corporate gorse and planting native trees. Tricia and I your employer or propose one of these are directly supporting the work we do to Member events are trying to encourage Nedbank to become opportunities at the next corporate social protect Manx wildlife for the future. Every • Use of our corporate logo on literature our first reserve sponsor. No luck yet, but responsibility meeting? In return we can aspect of our work costs money, whether • Staff discount on membership we'll keep trying. offer a great deal of PR for your company it's equipment or staff time right through • Access to Wild Work Days upon request Leigh and I recently visited corporate including in this magazine, on our website to land purchase and management fees. • Company website link on Manx Wildlife members, PwC, in Douglas to discuss and through our contacts across the Island's We are hugely grateful to the people and Trust website how they can get more involved with media outlets. organisations that fundraise for us and help • Bespoke wildlife talk for employees on MWT. It was great to hear Client Account make a big difference to our Ramsey Whether it is corporate membership, fund us to do the work we do. These include: joining Executive Manager, Liz Moore say: " We're Forest Project. If you want to support this raising ideas or sponsorship opportunities Individuals like Jean Buck MBE who has • Access to our environmental proud to be a Corporate Member of Manx (it doesn't cost you anything) become a I am more than happy to discuss them. We organised the Art of Nature exhibition consultancy service Wildlife Trust. It has been amazing to Co-op member and choose MWT as your have a very flexible set up and I'm confident at House of Manannan this year with • Bespoke guided wildlife tour for see them continually strive to meet their local cause at membership.coop.co.uk/ that we can tailor any of the options to nearly £50,000 worth of art of which we employees or guests at one of our conservation aims. Over the years, we causes/37969 suit every business on the Island. So why will receive a percentage upon sale! The Nature Reserves have provided both financial and practical Easyfundraising is another way you can not make the first move? Email me on: Northern and Southern Volunteer Support • Company logo on Manx Wildlife Trust support. Our recent community project has raise money for us without it costing you. groups who meet regularly to organise website supported the 'Ramsey Eco-Active' project. [email protected] Simply go to and events and activities like bag packs to raise • Press release on joining It's more important than ever to help easyfundraising.org.uk select MWT as your chosen cause before funds for MWT. And last but not least, our • Feature article in Manx Nature sustain and protect our local environment." corporate members and businesses that magazine membership. We also have storage at Sponsorship is another great way for raise funds through events and activities or • Free Family Membership for a Empire Garage in Peel, Sartfell Nature businesses to get involved and may offer sponsor specific projects with MWT. nominated staff member Reserve, Sunset Lakes in Peel and other Current Sponsorship opportunities: better PR opportunities than membership Corporate membership ranges from £250 places too. So you can get a picture of the Businesses in the Isle of Man are perhaps alone. I'm really pleased that Lloyds • Action for Wildlife scheme with 10 individual 5 year best placed to help conservation here and it for Bronze, £500 for Silver to £1000 for scale of our problem. Gold membership so it doesn't have to Bank are supporting our #WilderFuture could be argued that they stand to benefit Following an appeal on social media, projects totalling - £500k break the bank. If you know a company campaign for a second year to the tune the most. It is, after all, a beautiful place Quanta Global in Douglas donated a that may be interested in membership of £2,500. With Lloyds, it's much more • Event sponsor for Festival of the Sea - £4k to live and work. I have been to Douglas desk and chair so Adam, our Consultant please pass on my details. I'm pleased to than just the money though. Lucy Felton, this morning to do an interview at Manx Ecologist, could have a base in our ever welcome two new corporate members this Business Development Manager, shows • Marine Volunteer sponsor - £600 a month Radio and I popped along Marine Drive expanding office. This actually did them a month; Affinity Management Services Ltd a real interest in conservation and the afterwards to see not only a peregrine but a favour as they were downsizing so it was and Ocorian. I look forward to working with work that MWT do. They provide staff as • Wildlife Remembered film sponsor - £2k kestrel too! just a case of being in the right place at the them to make sure the relationship is a volunteers for some of our events including right time. A win for all. • Event sponsor for our inaugural Wild Orchid Ball - £2k Corporate membership is one of the easiest success for both parties. Wildlife Watch activities and even provided ways to get involved. We are lucky to have a safe place for our exhibition in their • Sponsor a reserve - £5k nearly 30 current corporate members but Corporate members, Nedbank Private marquee at last year's Royal Agricultural I would dearly love to grow that number. Wealth, have had a number of Wild Work Show. Our traditional gazebo would have • Multiple live nest video stream kit sponsor - £3k Much like individual membership, it's a Days at our Glen Dhoo reserve where they been flattened! You can next see our great way to stay informed about the work have helped our Reserves Manager clearing #WilderFuture exhibition at The Strand • Wildflower kits for schools - £750 that we do. It's also a great way to meet Shopping centre in Douglas during Manx corporate social responsibilities and there Wildlife Week from the 8th to the 17th May. • Hedgehog tunnels sponsor - £1k are a number of benefits that we can offer For some companies no money changes • MWT introductory leaflet sponsor - £800 our corporate members too: hands at all. For example, ORS Limited • Copy of Manx Nature, our members provided a secure waste bin for us so we • Reserves guide sponsor - £1k magazine produced twice a year could dispose of a large amount of sensitive • Branded gazebo sponsor - £1k • Acknowledgement on the MWT paperwork that had built up at MWT HQ Some organisations have their own website and in Manx Nature over the years. Storage is another area in platforms for fundraising and we are • 3 x Visitor centre refurbishment sponsors - from £5k • A framed Investors in Wildlife which we really struggle. lucky enough to be one of three charities Membership certificate Callin Wild have let us store a number of • Seal Survey equipment and boat fees - £1.5k Our Corporate Members:

32 WORDS AND PIC TURES © GRAHAM MAKEPEACE-WARNE MANX NATURE Spring/Summer 2020 33 Editorial: Coronavirus & MWT t the time of going to press the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic is impacting the Isle of Man. I'm proud to say that MWT took swift action closing our Peel Gift Shop and suspending the opening of our visitor centres at The Ayres and Scarlett as well as stopping Athe work of the Midweek Muckers to protect our staff and volunteers. All staff are now working from home with the exception of our CEO Leigh who is walking to work, and keeping the office ticking over, including now coordinating all our on-line team meetings. Super Seagrass We had to take the difficult decision to postpone indefinitely most of our events. The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that there is no 'What's On' guide in this issue. We cannot foresee how long social distancing will be required so please keep an eye out for Marine Officer, Lara Howe our email newsletters, and on our website, social media and Eventbrite for updates. We will re-advertise events as soon as we are able. As a team we are looking at new ways of working and are aiming to deliver some talks digitally: Leigh's talk on his ‘2 years on St Helena’ will be live streamed on the 13th May and we are looking to run other events digitally, perhaps including our AGM. Our Education Officer, Dawn Dickens, and other MWT staff are delivering live sessions about wildlife on our Facebook page – do join in. If you are a eagrass (Zostera marina), also known as eelgrass, is an important marine plant found in Manx waters. Not only can it member and haven’t been receiving our email newsletters please let me know by emailing [email protected] with the address combat coastal erosion and provide shelter for a vast array of animals, including some of our commercial species, it can that you would like us to use. We know some of you might not use email regularly, but in this time of self-isolation, we encourage you to also capture carbon, helping our fight against climate change. Seagrass stores up to 90% of its carbon in the sediment S connect with us this way. locking it away. In one report it suggested that compared to a terrestrial forest seagrass can store more than twice the amount of carbon for the same area. However, seagrass is vulnerable to human impacts such as dredging, excessive nutrients and The Art of Nature exhibition, organised by Jean Buck and hosted by the House of Manannan, was originally planned to run from pollution, that’s why in the Isle of Man it is protected within our network of marine nature reserves. This protection is already March until September. Sadly, it only ran for a week before Manx National Heritage were forced to close the venue. The artwork in the paying off, as has been seen in Ramsey Marine Nature Reserve. The MNR was designated in 2011 and already the seagrass bed exhibition is fantastic, helping to connect people with nature and raising much needed funds for MWT. Again, we are looking at options has extended beyond its zone and into several other zones, increasing its size considerably (see map). This just shows that if we for when or how we can deliver this event in another way – hopefully a digital exhibition after Easter! give nature a chance it can fix itself. We have been considering making Manx Nature digital for some time and the coronavirus has given us the kick we needed to make Another good news story linked to seagrass last year was the identification of a small snail, called a grooved top shell, in it happen. By not printing all the magazines we are greatly reducing our use of paper as well as lowering the carbon footprint created Langness Marine Nature Reserve. It was caught on camera by Tony Glen, Seasearch Co-ordinator for the Island and later through production and delivery. We are also sharing this edition far and wide, so that people stuck at home can engage with Manx samples were collected to confirm identification by Tony and myself. The tiny mollusc, only 10mm tall, was last recorded nature and MWT – please help us by sharing this with your friends and encourage them to join us so that they can read future issues! by Edward Forbes in 1838. It is thought to be the most northerly sighting of the species, as it is typically found in the We will still be printing a small number of copies so if you have a genuine need for a copy I urge you to let me know on the above email Mediterranean. The plan is to now examine other areas of seagrass to ascertain if the snail is at other sites. address and I will try to sort that out for you. We all clearly face some great challenges in the future. The third sector is often the first one to suffer in difficult economic times. Iam pleased to say that some people have still found it possible to make donations through our website and we would like to thank all our members for their continued support and understanding at this time. Our team are still working hard to protect Manx wildlife, whilst working from home. We are using this period to catch up on desk work, prepare future plans and develop our digital skills, and as Leigh stresses to us all “this period could be tremendously valuable for us all as a team and it isn’t permanent”. For our members, we are sharing lots of great educational videos and activities through our social media channels and on our website at: www.manxwt.org.uk/discover-our-island/stuck-home Please stay safe, keep in touch and we'll see you on the other side. Graham Makepeace-WarneMarketing & Membership Manager

AGM NOTICE Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Annual General Meeting of Manx Wildlife Trust will be Meet the CEO postponed until later in the year but before the end of September. and St Helena AGENDA 1. Approval of Minutes of the 46th AGM held on 29 June 2019 2. Treasurer’s Report: To approve the Annual Accounts for the year ended 31 January 2020 3. To appoint the Auditors for the year ended 31 January 2020 and approve the fee 4. Chairman’s Report 5. CEO’s Report 6. Election of Trustees The Council is seeking nominations for new A live talk by members. Any nominations must be delivered to the Trust for consideration. Leigh Morris Those who seek election as a Trustee must submit a short (up to 100 words) statement of the contribution they could bring to the role of Trustee. This must be supported by a Proposer and a Seconder (both of whom must be MWT Members) and be received by the Company Secretary, Manx Wildlife Trust, 7-8 Market Place, Peel IM5 1AB or via [email protected] 7. Any other business (which should be notified Live streaming from 7pm Wednesday 13th May to the Company Secretary before the meeting) See www.manxwt.org.uk for joining details By Order of the Board – 34 Sally Bolton, Company Secretary Leave a lasting legacy to wildlife

By leaving a lasting legacy to wildlife, you'll be helping us to protect Manx wildlife and the natural heritage you love - for generations to come.

for the Future Coadey Please remember Manx Wildlife Trust in your will. Talk to your advocate, or contact Graham on 01624 844 432 or email [email protected] to discuss leaving a bequest for wildlife.