Saskia Beresford
Creg y Cowin - Celtic Rainforest Regeneration on the Isle of Man
Celtic rainforest
Celtic or temperate rainforests are found in places that have a high influence from the sea, causing high rainfall and humidity with a relatively mild climate with a small variation in temperature throughout the seasons - so the Isle of Man is perfect!
British rainforests have been largely destroyed over hundreds of years and now cover less than 1% of Britain. Through funding by Aviva for projects around Great Britain, local communities will be closely involved in rainforest projects and will benefit from increased access to nature, volunteering, educational and employment opportunities.
Rainforest recovery will also provide cleaner air and water and
reduced risk from flooding.
Coed Crafnant rainforest © Ben Porter
Creg y Cowin
Creg y Cowin is a 105 acre site in the Baldwin valley which will have over 70 acres planted with Manx native tree species, creating a new celtic rainforest. It will be the largest new native woodland to be planted on the Island! There are also around 20 acres which will be left to regenerate naturally.
Non-planted areas of lowland heath, fen-meadow, waxcap grassland and ponds will provide further habitat for wildlife. In time, conservation grazing with sheep and cattle, will enhance this special place.
Manx Wildlife Trust anticipates the return of oakwood dwellers such as wood warbler, pied flycatcher and redstart, as well as raptors, owls and woodland invertebrates. The rainforest will increase water purity for the West Baldwin Reservoir, help with flood prevention, and contribute to a nature recovery network in the Isle of Man.
How can you support this project?
WildNet - Jim Higham