New Curragh Nature Trail to be opened by the Lieutenant Governor

The Curragh Nature Trail will be opened by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney on Wednesday 16^th June.

Sir Richard will be accompanied by Lady Gozney and is the Patron of the Supporters of the Curraghs Wildlife Park (SCWP).

Using paths and boardwalks, visitors to the Wildlife Park will be able to safely explore part of the Ballaugh Curragh Area of Special Scientific Interest and Wetland of International Importance.   Interpretative signage explains the history of the area and the species found there, with “Nature Notes” designed especially for young visitors. A solar powered “Talking Bench”, a talking post with nature facts narrated by young actors and eight brasses depicting Curragh wildlife which can be rubbed into a booklet, completes the Trail.

Kim Etherton, SCWP Chair said: “Not many wildlife parks have a protected wilderness area as part of their landholding so we hope that visitors will really enjoy discovering the Curragh Nature Trail, as well as seeing endangered animals from other parts of the world. We are very grateful to the Manx Lottery Trust for the grant which has enabled us to create the Trail and to Zurich International for matched funding”.

Manx Lottery Trust Chairman Sarah Kelly added: “As the Island’s only Wetland of International Importance, we were pleased to award this grant from the Manx Lottery Trust Island Community Fund. It is exciting to see all the different interactive elements of the Trail come together and, after a number of delays, for it to be officially opened by the Lieutenant Governor.”