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Manx Wildlife Trust secures long-term lease to expand MWT Hairpin Woodland Park near Ramsey by 11 acres

© MWT/Graham Makepeace-Warne

Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) has secured a long-term lease on two parcels of land adjacent to MWT Hairpin Woodland Park near Ramsey, strengthening its ability to restore nature and create accessible green space for the Island’s community.

The land, previously held as Bona Vacantia (i.e. it had once belonged to a company which was later wound up, legally vesting the land in the Isle of Man Government), has been acquired through a 95-year lease from the Department of Infrastructure (DOI). This aligns with MWT’s existing 99-year lease with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) for other parts of MWT Hairpin Woodland Park, which is now four years into its term. Together with five parcels of land owned outright by MWT, the leases provide long-term security for nature recovery, community access, and sustainable land management at this important site and will see the conifer plantation at Claughbane be reverted to native broadleaf woodland.

MWT Hairpin Woodland Park, formally opened to the public in 2024, has quickly become a flagship engagement site for MWT. The addition of these two parcels allows MWT to expand woodland creation, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen habitat connectivity, while continuing to provide a welcoming place for people to connect with nature.

The project is being supported by the Rotary Club of Douglas, whose funding is helping MWT deliver its work at MWT Hairpin Woodland Park, and guided by the independent MWT Hairpin Woodland Park Advisory Group.

Securing this long-term lease is a hugely positive step for nature and for the Manx community. By aligning the DOI and DEFA leases, we now have the certainty needed to plan for decades of woodland creation & restoration, biodiversity recovery and public engagement. MWT Hairpin Woodland Park is at the heart of one of our largest population centres, showing what can be achieved when Government, charities and community partners work together for people and wildlife. This long-term project aims to show that nature and wilder spaces do not need to be confined to the open countryside but can be at the heart of our urban communities too, where they can have even greater benefits for public access and our own wellbeing.
Graham Makepeace-Warne, Chief Executive Officer
Manx Wildlife Trust
I am pleased that this land can now be used in a way that delivers lasting environmental and community benefits. Working with Manx Wildlife Trust ensures this site will be responsibly managed for the long term, contributing to both nature recovery and public enjoyment.
Hon. Dr Michelle Haywood MHK
Minister for Infrastructure
The Rotary Club of Douglas is proud to support MWT’s Hairpin Woodland Park. This project brings together environmental restoration, community wellbeing and long-term thinking, values that sit at the heart of Rotary. By working alongside MWT and other partners, we’re helping to create a space that will benefit both people and nature for generations to come.
Ivan Bratty
President of the Rotary Club of Douglas

The two parcels amount to 10.73 acres of developing broadleaf woodland and grassland within woodland glades criss-crossed by a network of paths. MWT will manage the fields by enhancing natural succession to woodland, increasing species diversity and enabling better public access throughout. The latest expansion increased MWT Hairpin Woodland Park to from 63.11 to 73.84 acres immediately adjacent to the Claughbane suburb of Ramsey.

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