The Isle of Man’s unique natural environment is set to be celebrated in the fifth annual Manx Wildlife Week, which takes place at venues across the Isle of Man from 30th April to the 8th May.
Organised by Manx National Heritage (MNH), in association with Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) and some of the Isle of Man’s leading conservationists, Manx Wildlife Week offers the opportunity to learn about the Isle of Man’s outstanding natural landscapes, biodiversity and wildlife.
This year events include; dawn chorus gatherings, moss hunting, guided walks, listening for bats, bio blitzes, wildflower seed paper making, talks from world experts, treasure hunts, dolphin spotting, and more. Most events are free and at locations throughout the Island so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
A highlight of this year’s programme includes a public lecture by Dr. Clemency Fisher, Emeritus Senior Curator of Vertebrate Zoology at World Museum, Liverpool and a Scientific Associate at the Natural History Museum, London & Tring, hosted by UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man. Dr. Fisher’s will speak on the subject of The bird as a cultural image – prehistory to the present, with her lecture taking place at the Manx Museum on the evening of Wednesday 4th May.
Laura McCoy, Curator of Natural History for Manx National Heritage said:
“Manx Wildlife Week is a great opportunity to explore and find out about our lovely Island while meeting the people who help monitor and protect the wild spaces and living creatures within it. We extend our thanks to all those who make Manx Wildlife Week possible, for their help engaging with the public, sharing the wonders of the natural world and inspiring people to enjoy the Manx countryside, learn more about our Island Biosphere and respect our planet”.
All events for Manx Wildlife Week are pre-bookable with limited places available. Bookings information is available on www.manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on
ENDS
Manx Wildlife Week Events:
| Date | Event | Location | Booking Details |
| All Week | Children’s wildlife trails and crafts | Natural History Gallery, Manx Museum, Douglas | No booking required – drop in from 9.30am – 4.30pm. |
| Sat 30 April | Himalayan Balsam Walk with the Friends of Neb, 11am – 12pm | The Raggat, Glenfaba Road, Peel | E-mail Roger on rbj@manx.net |
| Sun 1 May | Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch – Seawatch at The Sound, 2pm – 4pm | The Sound | E-mail info@mwdw.net |
| Manx Wildlife Trust – Cooildarry Nature Reserve Guided Walk, 10am – 12pm | Meet at the junction of A4 with the turn to Glen Wyllin campsite | Visit: mwt.im/events to book. | |
| Mon 2 May | Manx Ornithological Society – Birding Walk with Tim Earl at Langness, 10am – 12pm | Langness | E-mail Janet Thompson on jthompson@manx.net |
| Manx Wildlife Trust – Macro Photography with Jeremy Broom-Smith, 2pm – 4pm | Scarlett Discovery Centre, Castletown | Visit: mwt.im/events to book. | |
| Manx Wildlife Trust – Treasure Hunt, 11am – 4pm | Ayres Nature Discovery Centre, Bride | Visit: mwt.im/events to book. | |
| Tues 3 May | Manx National Heritage – Behind the Scenes Tour of the Natural History Collections with Laura McCoy, 10am – 11.30am | Manx Museum, Douglas | Book at https://manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/ |
| Weds 4 May | UNESCO Biosphere – The Bird as a Cultural Image – Pre-history to Present’ – A Public Lecture by Dr Clemency Fisher, 7pm – 8.30pm | Manx Museum Lecture Theatre, Douglas | Book at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-bird-as-a-cultural-image-prehistory-to-the-present-tickets-294692020767 |
| Thurs 5 May | Manx Birdlife – Guided Walk at Point of Ayre National Reserve, 10am – 1pm | Point of Ayre National Reserve | Contact David Andrews on 01624 861130 or e-mail pointofayre@manxbirdlife.im |
| Manx Footpaths Conservation Group – Wildlife on the Peninsular – a chance to see the birdlife around Langness, 10.30am – 12.30pm | Langness | Call 07624 437978 or e-mail Secretary@manxfootpaths.org | |
| Manx Wildlife Trust – Stream Dipping, 1pm – 3pm | Summerhill Glen, Douglas | Visit: mwt.im/events to book. | |
| Manx Wildlife Trust – The Joy of Moss, 6.30pm – 8.30pm | Archallagan Plantation (South Carpark) | Visit: mwt.im/events to book. | |
| Fri 6 May | Manx National Heritage – Wildflower Seed Paper Making workshop, 11am – 1pm | Manx Museum, Douglas | Book at https://manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/ |
| DEFA – Warden Walk at The Ayres Nature Reserve, 2pm – 4pm | Ayres Visitor Centre | E-mail Louise on ecopolicy@gov.im | |
| Traditional Manx Herbs with the Manx Herbalist, 2pm – 5.30pm | St. John’s Mill Conference Centre | E-mail Jane on themanxherbalist@gmail.com | |
| Sat 7 May | Supporters of Curraghs Wildlife Park – Dawn Chorus Walk – guided by Chris Sharpe MBE, 6am – 8am | Curraghs Wildlife Park | E-mail supportersCWP@manx.net |
| Manx National Heritage – Wildflower Seed Paper Making workshop, 11am – 1pm | Manx Museum, Douglas | Book at https://manxnationalheritage.im/shop/product/wildlife-week-wildflower-seed-paper-making-workshop/ | |
| Manx Bat Group – The Bats of Silverdale Glen, 8.45pm – 10pm | Silverdale Glen | Book at https://manxbatgroup.org/contacts/ | |
| Supporters of Curraghs Wildlife Park – Nature Detectives trail, 11am – 4pm | Curraghs Nature Trail | E-mail supportersCWP@manx.net | |
| Manx Wildlife Trust & Friends – BioBlitz, 10am – 6pm | Groudle Glen, Onchan | Visit: mwt.im/events to book. | |
| Sun 8 May | Friends of the Neb – Japanese Knotweed, 1.30pm – 2.30pm | Foxdale Heritage Centre | E-mail Roger on rbj@manx.net |
In association with:
Image caption: Manx Wildlife Week 2022 Logo
Media contact:
Lynsey Clague, Communications Manager – Manx National Heritage
T: 01624 648032
E: lynsey.clague@mnh.im
Manx National Heritage, Eiraght Ashoonagh Vannin
Manx Museum, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 3LY
Isle of Man Registered Charity No 603