Manx Wildlife Trust seeks planning approval for new freshwater wetlands in Patrick

Charity hopes to improve access and install three new bird hides

Manx Wildlife Trust is applying for planning approval to create a freshwater wetland area in Patrick. 

The charity is also looking to install three bird hides, two sand martin nesting chambers and a new hardstanding area for disabled parking in the Ballacosnahan farmyard. 

One bird hide would be made wheelchair accessible and have dedicated access from the car park with a new path firm suitable for year-round use.

It says the land is on an 'established' floodplain and excavation depths have been designed to ensure that water stays in the area without creating risk to neighbouring land. 

The trust adds that grazing by loaghtan sheep will be the main 'vegetation management tool' to support a 'dynamic ecological structure' which it hopes will include amphibians, wading birds and wildfowl. 

It also says the new site would provide 'safe, proportionate and well-managed' access for school groups, families and the community and the rural, working-farm character of the area is retained. 

The application is currently pending consideration and the application can be found here.