Seven of the island’s nature and heritage organisations have issued a joint statement calling for investment in sustainable farming.

The statement has been signed by representatives of the Manx Wildlife Trust; Manx National Heritage; Manx Birdlife; Manx Butterfly Conservation; Manx Bat Group; Manx Ornithological Society and Friends of the Earth Isle of Man.

The organisations have called for, among other outcomes, transparency in funding, ’proportional monitoring’, resources provided for advice and facilitation and a maximised return on any investment.

biodiversity

They said the island’s biodiversity strategy (which went to consultation earlier this year) ’is a chance to make sure we support farmers to manage in a nature-friendly way’.

But they added it ’lacks clear ambition for the environment but offers a foundation on which the delivery plan can be built’.

Tim Graham, the chief executive officer of the Manx Wildlife Trust, said: ’We have a real chance to lead and make sure our countryside shows the recovery wildlife desperately needs, all while making sure we tackle the climate crisis and bring huge benefits to everyone on the island. What’s not to like?

’Let’s make sure we support farmers and land mangers while saving our unique Manx wildlife.’

The joint statement added: ’The move to include incentives for supply of public goods via public funding is to be welcomed, to reward positive land management for wildlife, climate change and other benefits beyond just agricultural production.

’There are numerous opportunities presented by this approach, but it is difficult to remain positive without further detail.’