Manx Wildlife Trust and University College Isle of Man (UCM) have partnered to help restore and extend an area of high conservation in the south of the Island.
Student’s from the University College’s Landscaping and Conservation course have been working with the charity at Billown Quaries, which is owned by Colas.
In the autumn, the students completed their fencing and habitat management units, and in March the students were joined by the organisation’s senior leadership team to plant 300 trees.
The initiative, which is being funded by Colas, aims to provide a protected environment for the island and its biosphere.
Jesamine Kelly, UCM’s Principal, commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Billown Quary to see what our students have been working hard on over the last few months, and being able to plant a few trees myself was brilliant.”
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our Horticulture students to get real-world, practical experience of the industry they’ll be joining when they leave UCM. A huge thank you to the team at Manx Wildlife Trust and Colas for making this experience possible.”
Leigh Morris from The Manx Wildlife Trust, added: “We’re delighted to be working with UCM on this important project. Not only have the students been able to hone and practice their skills but they’ve how essential the work they do is for the protection of our beautiful Island and wildlife.”