Volunteers from the Isle of Man Bank are back at a popular beauty spot carrying out enhancements this week.
Bank staff are working with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) at Ballaugh Forest.
They are improving the surface of the newly named Raven Ramble walk – which adopts a historic name for the area, Ravensdale – installing interpretation boards, benches and tables and clearing vegetation.
It’s a continuation of a project the bank started in 2015 to mark its 150th anniversary.
Then, the bank planted 1,000 broadleaved trees to replace those lost to the disease Phytophthora ramorum. Staff also unveiled a specially commissioned sculpture of a raven by local artist Nick Barlow and carried out other improvements.
David Cretney MLC, Member of DEFA responsible for Forestry, took part in the planting in 2015 and returned to Ballaugh this week to witness the bank’s latest enhancements.
‘The Programme for Government aims to increase people’s use of our beautiful countryside for leisure purposes.
‘It also pledges to maintain even more of our countryside for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.
‘The valuable enhancements the bank is carrying out this week will have a lasting legacy for the forest and those who enjoy it.’
