Published: 11 September 2006
Recognition for Isle of Man's Wetland
UK Biodiversity Minister Barry Gardiner has announced that the rich natural environment of the Isle of Man has been recognised with the designation of its first Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
Mr Gardiner congratulated the Isle of Man Government on designating 193 hectares in the north-west of the Island, saying that it reflected the area's importance for birds and other wildlife.
The Ballaugh Curragh is locally famous for its wetland habitats and the diversity of birds that make their home there.
The impressive winter hen harrier roost is thought to be the largest in Western Europe, while globally-threatened corncrakes have bred in the traditional hay meadows.
Traditionally-managed meadows with displays of thousands of orchids attract both bird watchers and visitors to the popular orchid tours.
Ballaugh Curragh is the largest remaining intact example of the distinctive Manx habitat, historically important as a plentiful source of fish, waterfowl and willow, and an important part of the Island's cultural heritage.
Manx National Heritage manages much of the site for its wildlife and for public enjoyment, while the orchid-rich hay meadows are managed by the Manx Wildlife Trust. The remainder is private land.
Mr Gardiner said:
"The United Kingdom has a proud record of designating more Ramsar sites than any other country, and the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories are home to particularly valuable and
internationally-important wetland habitats.
The Isle of Man is a worthy member of this group.
The Isle of Man's curragh habitat has long been recognised as an important place for wildlife, so it's particularly fitting that Ballaugh Curragh is the Island's first wetland to be listed under Ramsar."
Mr Gardiner said the Isle of Man site would be the 167th Ramsar site designated by the UK, and the 21st within a Crown Dependency or Overseas Territory.
Phil Gawne MHK, Isle of Man Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, said:
"I am delighted that this unique Manx habitat is being recognised internationally.
The site is well known in the Isle of Man but deserves wider recognition outside the Island.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is pleased to be able to support the people of the area in ensuring this gem of our natural heritage is conserved for future generations."
Chairman of the Trustees of Manx National Heritage Martin Moore welcomed the announcement, saying:
"The Trustees of Manx National Heritage welcome the designation of the Ballaugh Curragh as a wetland site of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
As principal landowner at the Curragh we have protected and conserved this unique area and look forward to working with neighbouring landowners to ensure that it is effectively managed for future generations."
The Department of Tourism and Leisure also welcomed the news. It operates the Curraghs Wildlife Park in the north of the Island, with its nature trail that provides excellent interpretation of the curragh habitats.
Nick Pinder, Manager of the Wildlife Park, said:
"The Wildlife Park has promoted the Ballaugh Curragh for twenty years and has the only boardwalk interpretation explaining the history, land use and natural history of the Curraghs.
We foresee a real collaboration in the future between the different parties over the Ramsar site and, on a wider scale, when birdwatchers and wildlife viewers learn about the presence of a Ramsar site on the Isle of Man, it will hopefully bring more of them over to see the wonderful wildlife not only of the Curraghs but the Island as a whole".
Further information
Ramsar Convention
Joint Nature Conservation Committee – Ramsar Convention
Defra – Wetlands website
Manx Wildlife Trust
Manx National Heritage
Curraghs Wildlife Park
Review of existing and potential Ramsar sites in UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies
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