Manx Wildlife Trust will manage the 46‑acre Creggans site above Tholt y Will for at least 21 years after a private donor bought the land for conservation.
The area is one of the island’s most important waxcap grasslands, home to rare species such as Ballerina Waxcap, Crimson Waxcap and Golden Spindles.
Creggans escaped post‑war agricultural intensification, allowing its internationally significant fungi community to survive.
The site also contains tholtans, a Bronze Age burial mound, the Corrody Keeill and historic field boundaries, with an application lodged for Scheduled Ancient Monument status.
Sheep grazing will continue as essential management, with dogs barred except verified guide dogs on leads.
The landowner said the purchase was driven by a wish to invest ethically and safeguard nature. Farmer Danny Creer welcomed the approach, saying traditional grazing had shaped the habitat.
MWT is developing a light‑touch plan with farmers, archaeologists and fungi specialists. The reserve will open during Heritage Open Days on Sunday, October 11, with guided walks and later mycological training.
