Scheme to boost wildlife in Manx capital launched

The deadline for pitches is 8 March

A new wildlife scheme for the Manx capital aims to harness a passion to combat "global challenges" such as climate change, a local councillor has said.

The Dragonflies’ Den, a joint venture between Douglas City Council and Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT), will see residents pitch ideas to create or boost initiatives that protect biodiversity or support pollinators.

Councillor Andrew Bentley said the project was a "celebration of the power that communities hold to create change in our own backyard".

Developed in association with Unesco Biosphere Isle of Man, the authority will support successful ideas, such as wildlife ponds.

A spokesman for the council said the local authority would offer "tools, expertise, and materials" to help create "wildlife friendly areas for the whole community to enjoy".

A team from MWT would also be available to help develop ideas, such as community gardens, orchards and wildflower areas, before proposals were submitted for consideration, he said.

Environment minister and vice-chairman of Unesco Biosphere Isle of Man Clare Barber said she hoped the project "captured the imagination of people in Douglas".

She said she looked forward to seeing communities "come together to submit projects, and to seeing them spring up, further improving our city for nature".

'Tangible action'

Mr Bentley, who is chairman of the council's regeneration and community committee, said the partnership could help to "make a real difference for the future of our planet".

He said: "The creativity and passion in Douglas to combat global challenges like biodiversity loss and climate change is truly inspiring."

The scheme would make it possible to "harness that energy and transform it into tangible action", he said.

"We are proud to be a part of this movement for change," he added.

Applications by schools, community groups, businesses and neighbourhoods should be submitted to the MWT by 8 March.