There will be chance to fully explore the environment of the Isle of Man, from the highest point to the bottom of the sea, during a forthcoming week-long wildlife event.

The fifth annual Manx Wildlife Week takes place at a variety of locations across the Isle of Man from Saturday, July 3 to Sunday, July 11.

Organised as a joint project between Manx National Heritage and Manx Wildlife Trust, the event will offer workshops, guided walks, informative talks and arts and crafts sessions, designed to give people the opportunity to learn about the Isle of Man’s outstanding natural landscapes, biodiversity and wildlife.

The first weekend will see a walk along the River Neb, near Peel and a guided bat walk at Silverdale on the Saturday, followed by a sea-themed set of workshops, including a snorkel safari around the rocks of Port St Mary, led by Discover Diving, and a rockpool sessions on Douglas beach, led by Manx Wildlife Trust on the Sunday.

The following weekend returns to the sea, with further snorkel safaris in Gansey Bay and Port Erin, along with a sea-watching afternoon with the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch at the Sound on Sunday.

Saturday will also see a walk across the highest reach of the island, trekking across the peat uplands from the sheep pens, off Brandywell Road.

There will be a range of workshops, talks and practical sessions throughout the week in between.

The majority of the events are free to attend, but places must be registered online prior to attending.

The Wildlife week began five years ago as a way of marking the Isle of Man joining the National Biodiversity Network, which has led to a database of species that exist within the island.

Over the past five years, more than 8,200 separate species have been found and recorded on the island, with many more still to find.

Manx Wildlife Trust’s Leigh Morris said that the week is a good example of the team work between the two groups and that they hope to continue it into the future.

’We are delighted to once again be contributing to Manx Wildlife Week,’ said Leigh.

’We signed a memorandum of understanding with MNH in 2020 and as a development of our joint working, it is fantastic that MWT are now a designated partner in Wildlife Week.’