Wildflowers of Mann
Rare Species Action Plan
Background
We cannot afford to loose a single species of wildflower on the Isle of Man. They from part of a wider ecosystem which helps us to be a resilient, thriving island.
The Wildflowers of Mann – Rare Species Action Plan is focusing urgent conservation action on 41 of the rarest and most threatened native wildflower species found on the Isle of Man, including the Isle of Man Cabbage and the reintroduction of native species which have become locally extinct in recent decades.
About
Rare plant species and the habitats that support them require not only protection but, in some cases, active intervention to ensure their survival. The Isle of Man is home to nearly 700 species of native wildflower, over 10 per cent of which are legally protected due to their rare or vulnerable status. However, widespread changes to the countryside over the past 60 years have placed increasing pressure on many of these species, leading to significant declines and, in some cases, local extinction without targeted conservation action.
The Wildflowers of Mann project was established in 2000 to respond to this challenge by safeguarding and restoring the Island’s native flora. A collaborative initiative led by the Manx Wildlife Trust, with support from the Isle of Man Government’s Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, and other partners, the project works across the Island to provide expert advice and a supply of locally grown native Manx plants and seeds. Through this approach, Wildflowers of Mann aims not only to conserve rare species but also to enhance and reconnect traditional plant communities within the Manx landscape.
Budget
MWT are looking for £15,000 to fund a full 20-year review of our Biodiversity Action Plan work by the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh to set our strategic direction for conservation action and conservation horticulture for the next decade, including genetic analysis of population bottlenecks.
This forms part of a wider project which also includes practical conservation actions such as species conservation initiatives, habitat restoration, management of invasive non-native species and associated measures (including fencing where appropriate), alongside building skills and capacity within local organisations and communities. Research activities will strengthen the evidence base for conservation action and inform the long-term management of wildflower habitats across the Isle of Man.
Contributions towards International Targets
Global Biodiversity Framework Targets
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) sets global goals to protect biodiversity through its targets, most recently updated as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022. These targets aim to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and include goals such as protecting 30% of land and sea areas, restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems, reducing pollution, and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.
10: Enhance Biodiversity and Sustainability in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Forestry
20: Strengthen Capacity-Building, Technology Transfer, and Scientific and Technical Cooperation for Biodiversity
Sustainable Development Goals
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. They cover a wide range of issues, including health, education, gender equality, clean water, climate action, and biodiversity. Each goal has specific targets and indicators to measure progress, encouraging countries to work together toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
Life on Land
Partnership for the goals
Partners
Manx Wildlife Trust
The Manx Wildlife Trust is the Isle of Man’s leading independent nature conservation organisation, dedicated to protecting, managing, and restoring the island’s unique habitats and species. Established over 50 years ago, the Trust works across freshwater, terrestrial, and coastal ecosystems, combining hands-on conservation with public engagement, education, and advocacy. Through a network of nature reserves, community projects, and scientific monitoring, the Trust fosters a deeper connection between the island’s residents and their natural environment, ensuring that the Isle of Man’s rich biodiversity is safeguarded for future generations.
Other Partners
- Isle of Man Government Department of Environment, Food Agriculture
- Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh
Contact us
UKOTCF registered as a limited company in England and Wales No. 3216892 and a Registered Charity No. 1058483.