Dalby Mountain Nature Reserve Expands by 62% with Acquisition of Moorland

A mountain nation reserve has been extended by 62% through the addition of moorland characterized as having “exceptional ecological importance.” The Manx Wildlife Trust acquired the additional 43 acres (17.4 hectares), which adjoins the property initially bought in 1995, using funds from a corporate donation. This expansion brings the Dalby Mountain Nature Reserve to a total of 112-acre (27.9 hectare), making it the second largest of its kind on the Isle of Man. The trust indicated that the area of moorland and blanket bog possesses “international significance for nature conservation” and is also vital for hen harriers. The MWT characterized the new land as having “exceptional ecological importance and landscape character, forming an excellent example of blanket bog.” The Dalby mountain reserve was already distinctive as it was the trust’s sole upland reserve. The conservation organization reported that the new area is also registered heathland and is situated next to the Glen Rushen Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI). The trust announced its intention to pursue the area’s designation as both an ASSI and a fully confirmed Ramsar Wetland. David Bellamy, the trust’s head of conservation and land, stated that the contribution from Resilience Asset Management ensures the “entire ecological unit” is now “under our perpetual stewardship.” He noted that the site supports essential species such as bog asphodel, sphagnum mosses, grasshopper warbler, short-eared owl, and jack snipe, yet requires “next to no management.” He further added, “In time, this acquisition will help us to raise awareness of the importance of our Island’s precious peatlands.”