Freshwater Futures
Protecting Manx freshwater habitats
Background
Freshwater habitats—rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands—are vital for biodiversity, providing essential breeding, feeding, and refuge areas for many species, including fish, invertebrates, and amphibians. Yet these ecosystems are often less well-protected than terrestrial or marine habitats and are highly vulnerable to pollution, invasive species, and habitat modification.
On the Isle of Man, freshwater habitats support unique assemblages of species, some of which are locally rare or endemic, but face pressures from land use changes and water quality issues. Protecting and restoring these habitats is crucial for maintaining ecological balance, supporting species resilience, and safeguarding the island’s natural heritage for future generations.
About
Funding of approximately £50,000 will cover essential groundworks, materials, and construction for three purpose-built bird hides—one large hide for school groups and community learning, and two smaller hides including one fully accessible, wheelchair-friendly facility—ensuring both education and inclusivity remain central to the project. The support will also contribute to the construction of new scrapes and ponds, creating varied naturalistic waterbodies that sustain a wide range of wetland wildlife. Additionally, the funding will enable the purchase and installation of two artificial Sand Martin nesting banks, providing nearly 100 new burrows to help bolster local breeding populations where natural banks are absent. Together, these elements will form an integrated, accessible nature reserve where wildlife can thrive and people of all ages can connect with and learn from the land.
Budget
Funding of approximately £50,000 will cover essential groundworks, materials, and construction for three purpose-built bird hides—one large hide for school groups and community learning, and two smaller hides including one fully accessible, wheelchair-friendly facility—ensuring both education and inclusivity remain central to the project. The support will also contribute to the construction of new scrapes and ponds, creating varied naturalistic waterbodies that sustain a wide range of wetland wildlife.
Additionally, the funding will enable the purchase and installation of two artificial Sand Martin nesting banks, providing nearly 100 new burrows to help bolster local breeding populations where natural banks are absent. Together, these elements will form an integrated, accessible nature reserve where wildlife can thrive and people of all ages can connect with and learn from the land.
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.
1: Plan and Manage all Areas To Reduce Biodiversity Loss
8: Minimize the Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Build Resilience
10: Enhance Biodiversity and Sustainability in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Forestry
11: Restore, Maintain and Enhance Nature’s Contributions to People
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 Below Water
Life on Land
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.
Contact us
UKOTCF registered as a limited company in England and Wales No. 3216892 and a Registered Charity No. 1058483.