Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) have recently completed the purchase of land adjacent to the MWT Goshen Nature Reserve in Ballaugh. This is the fourth extension to the site; the original land having been purchased in 1995 with subsequent acquisitions in 1998 and 2008. 

Most of MWT Goshen Nature Reserve comprises of hay meadows managed for their wildflowers providing a home for many species including orchids, lady's smock, yellow rattle, meadowsweet and purple loosestrife. The nature reserve lies on the western edge of the Ballaugh Curragh Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and the Island’s only Ramsar site - an area of outstanding ecological importance for its wetland habitats and associated flora and fauna.

The newly acquired land is an area of curragh/developing woodland extending to some 4.84 acres.  The land was purchased with the aid of funds in memory of Anne Kaye.

Leigh Morris, MWT CEO said: “This land acquisition is an excellent example of how a legacy to MWT, from one of our long-term supporters, has enabled us to purchase and ‘bank’ another key part of the Island’s precious conservation land in perpetuity for the nation. Anne Kaye was a lovely lady who cared greatly for Isle of Man wildlife and the work of Manx Wildlife Trust. I’m delighted that Anne’s daughters are so thrilled at how the legacy is being used.”