A full day of talks and workshops explored the value of the island’s environment, ecology and ecosystems at the Manx Museum.

Saturday saw a series of speakers share more about the research and studies into Manx nature and wildlife, from basking sharks to grasshoppers and seals to seabirds.

Keen listeners were enthralled by facts and tales of the wonderful nature in our island and heard of the efforts being made to conserve and better understand it.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK, opened the event, speaking about the value of the natural environment in enhancing the quality of life of residents, boosting national pride and attracting new visitors to the island.

He praised environmental organisations and volunteers who support and enhance the work done by government and Manx National Heritage.

’In order to conserve and improve our biodiversity, we are heavily reliant on the dozens of conservation and wildlife charities, organisations and volunteers who are out and about doing great work, week in, week out, said Mr Quayle

’I am pleased that many of them are represented today.’

Mr Quayle went on to note that whilst social media has provided many with the opportunity to get involved in citizen science that, ’man’s affinity with the environment stretches back as long as he has existed, and our love of the landscape is what has shaped us as an Island.’

The day of talks also marked the start of Manx Wildlife Week, which ran a series of workshops throughout this week, and will continue into the coming weekend, and which also sees the launch of the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Atlas for the Isle of Man.

The Atlas is a collaborative project, managed by the Manx Biological Recording Partnership (MBRP), by its three main partners, Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture; Manx National Heritage and the Manx Wildlife Trust. It records sightings and locations of animals, birds and plants and is accessible to all.

Dr Philippa Tomlinson of the MBRP described how she hopes that the Atlas will help to improve management, conservation, education and decision-making and provide important feedback to groups involved in looking after the natural environment.

Manx Wildlife Week continues with a sold-out talk by TV presenter and naturalist Dr Simon King tomorrow (Friday) and free events on Saturday and Sunday.

For information and to book, visit manxnationalheritage.im

More details of the Isle of Man atlas can be found at isleofman.nbnatlas.org

by Mike Wade

www.ourisland.im