More than 100 staff from an insurance company have helped to create a path to unlock a rare Manx habitat at the Ballaugh Curragh.

The patron of the Supporters of the Curraghs Wildlife Park charity, Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney, visited the area to find out more about the project.

The path goes through a section of the Ballaugh Curragh, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the island’s only designated wetland of international importance.

Visitors will be able to learn about this special habitat, with its wet peaty soil, water channels, rare plants and animals.

In 2018, staff from Zurich International, based in the business park on the outskirts of Douglas, also worked in another area of the wetland within the Curraghs Wildlife Park, creating an accessible path and a new nature trail, funded by Zurich, with activities for families including brass rubbings that feature native plants and animals.

Kim Etherton, the chairman of SCWP, said: ’We have been delighted to work with Zurich staff over the last two years. They have made a huge contribution to our plans to open up this very rare Manx habitat for visitors to explore and enjoy. We are very grateful to them.’

Peter Huber, the chief executive of Zurich International, said: ’At Zurich, we are fully committed to help sustainable developments, conservation and education. ’Employees really value the opportunity to work together as one big team on these projects alongside the charity, helping to create new experiences for visitors to the Curraghs Wildlife Park.’

Kathleen Graham, the park’s general manager, said: ’Not many zoos have such a nationally and internationally important wildlife site on their doorstep.

’We are looking forward to being able to share it with our visitors. These pathways will feature learning activities to help to explain the value of our island’s biosphere.

’We are grateful to Zurich for their help.’