Tree Planting Scheme Completed Ahead of Schedule
A comprehensive tree planting initiative on the Isle of Man has been completed earlier than planned, with the team aiming to plant an additional 333,000 trees across the island.
The Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) owns three temperate rainforest areas on the island and is working to enhance biodiversity, improve flood defenses, and increase water quality through the planting of native tree species.
The 105-acre (approximately 42-hectare) site at Creg y Cowin, located in the Baldwin Valley, has recently seen the final planting of 30,000 mixed-native trees by a dedicated group of volunteers.
Benefits and Future Plans
MWT chief executive Graham Makepeace-Warne highlighted the positive impact of the woodland on both physical and mental health. He also mentioned the possibility of introducing livestock to the land in the future.
The three sites on the Isle of Man are part of the Temperate Rainforest Restoration Programme, which aims to restore woodland areas across extensive regions of the British Isles, Ireland, and the Isle of Man.
The project, led by the Wildlife Trusts, has received funding amounting to £38.9 million from Aviva, according to Makepeace-Warne.
He stated that "almost all" of the Isle of Man is suitable for this project, as the island possesses the appropriate climate and geographical characteristics "in droves."
"Temperate rainforests can be described as plants growing on plants, growing on plants. You'll see trees covered in lichens, mosses and other interesting plants and the species that go with that," he said.
Early Completion and Volunteer Efforts
The planting initiative at Creg y Cowin was finished two years ahead of its original five-year schedule.
"To plant 30,000 trees in three years is incredible work, our volunteers should be really proud of that," Makepeace-Warne said.
He expressed hopes to allow livestock such as sheep or cattle onto the land in approximately 15 years, once the trees have grown sufficiently to withstand their presence.
Makepeace-Warne explained that cattle are naturally woodland animals that enjoy grazing and scratching against trees, which could eliminate the need for farmers to provide "mechanical" scratching posts.
"Cattle want to be amongst trees, it does lots of great things like provide shade, it keeps the temperature low on hot days and visa versa on cold days."
It may take nearly 50 years for the trees to reach full maturity, meaning many volunteers who planted them may not be present to witness the woodland's full development.
However, Makepeace-Warne noted that many volunteers brought their children to the planting sessions.
"I love the idea of them coming back with their kids, when it is a proper woodland, that they can enjoy - that's a lovely idea," he said.
Expansion Plans and Challenges
In addition to Creg y Cowin, the MWT intends to plant more trees and restore woodland at the Glion Darragh and Glen Auldyn Reserves near Ramsey. The latter recently became the island's largest nature reserve, covering over 1,000 acres (about 405 hectares).
The Glion Darragh project faced setbacks due to Storm Darragh in 2024, while preparations are underway to begin planting on up to 750 acres of suitable land at Glen Auldyn next year, Makepeace-Warne said.
Community and Environmental Importance
Makepeace-Warne emphasized that tree planting is equally important for the local community as it is for livestock.
"One study found that people spending time in woodlands grew more grey matter in their pre-frontal cortex - basically spending time outdoors makes you smarter. The Wildlife Trust are looking to fund a proper study [on this]," he added.
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