A farm in the south of the island has embarked on a wildlife project to restore over ten acres of of vital swamp habitat.
Moorhouse Farm, in collaboration with the Manx Wildlife Trust and with financial support from DEFA has launched a project at Croit e Caley in Rushen.
A survey conducted in the 1990’s revealed that reedbeds covered just 47 acres, or 0.03% of the island’s land area.
Historically, reedbeds were far more common but were lost to drainage and the decline of traditional wetland management.
Restore the Reedbeds
At Croit e Caley, the Costain family is reversing this decline.
Historical maps show the area as wetland habitat (curragh), with reeds once cut here for thatching.
After decades of drainage, a small reedbed began to naturally regenerate at the turn of the century, reaching 3.5 acres by 2024.
Inspired by this, an additional 6 acres have now been fenced out of the main fields allowing reeds to naturally recolonise.
Habitats
Reedbeds provide critical habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, and encourage birds such as include Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler and Water Rail.
Croit e Caley recently became the site of the Isle of Man’s first recorded sighting of a Cetti’s Warbler in November 2023, a species that is expanding its range across Britain and Ireland.
Reedbeds also support roosting birds, such as Starlings, which create stunning murmuration displays, as well as Barn Swallow, House Martins and Pied Wagtails.
It is hoped that Moorhouse Farm’s efforts will inspire similar initiatives across the Isle of Man, helping increase biodiversity on the Island.
5 Comments