On Wednesday 22 June 2016, an Orchid Walk will be held at Ballateare Meadow in Jurby.
The walk offers the opportunity to see hundreds of orchids and other wildflowers in blossom in the meadow, which is an Area of Special Scientific Interest and home to many rare species including Greater Butterfly Orchids. Guides for the evening include John Dog Callister and Aline Thomas, Biodiversity Officer, Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.
Located west of Sandygate on the Jurby Road, Ballateare Meadow was acquired in the 1980s for conservation by a group led by the late Dr Larch Garrard, former Curator for Natural History at the Manx Museum. Dr Garrard’s intervention secured the future of the meadow as a wildlife haven, protecting it against modern agricultural techniques which would have eliminated many of its wildflowers.
The meadow’s owners recently received funding from the John Donald Collister Heritage Grant Scheme, operated by Manx National Heritage, towards new fencing to help protect the meadow habitat.
The walk is free of charge, with donations welcome. To pre-book your space and receive directions, please email lynsey.clague@mnh.gov.im or call 01624 648032. Spaces strictly limited.
Participants are asked to park safely on the roadside and car share where possible. Sensible footwear and dress suitable for weather is required. The walk commences at 7pm.
ENDS
Image caption: Tony Pass Chairman of the Trustees of Manx National Heritage, Aline Thomas of DEFA, Cathy Clucas Programme Coordinator of the Donald Collister Heritage Grant Scheme and John Dog Callister, pictured at Ballateare Meadow.