Onchan wetlands is a reserve of approximately one acre surrounded by houses, and is easily accessible to the public. In Manx it is known as Curragh Kiondroghad.
Nearly one hundred species of flowering plants flourish in this town reserve
Habitats:
Wetland - curragh (willow scrub), broadleaved trees, dub (pond), neutral grassland, embankments of tall grassland. Minor habitats include ditches, tall swamp vegetation and tall ruderal vegetation.
Description:
The reserve is a green oasis hemmed in by houses only two minutes walk from the shopping centre in Onchan. There is a boardwalk suitable for wheelchairs.
Nearly one hundred species of flowering plants flourish ranging from wetland to woodland varieties. Mainly grey and some white willow dominate the wetlands.
Other plants in the wetland include marsh marigold, yellow flag, reed canary grass, hemlock water-dropwort, woody nightshade and cuckoo flower. The woody stems of the grey willow support a range of mosses and lichens. Liverworts are present on ditch banks.
Trees common at the perimeter of the reserve where it is drier include silver birch, ash, holly and rowan.
Hedgerow plants include red campion, herb-robert, ivy and ferns. A mixed hedgerow of hawthorn, blackthorn, dog rose, hazel, field maple and wild privet has been planted.
The reserve has rich invertebrate life, which supports many bird species together with bats.
Birds recorded on the site include grey wagtail, goldcrest, woodcock, chiffchaff and hen harrier, together with more common garden species. Frogs return to breed each spring.
Management:
The Curragh is being allowed to develop into woodland. The neutral grassland is cut in late summer/early autumn after the plants have flowered and set seed and once again in the early spring. The dub is kept clear by regular
How to get to Onchan Wetlands:
Turn into Church Road from the A2 near Onchan. Park on your left as the road dips. To get to the reserve entrance cross a piece of land on your left owned by Onchan Commissioners
Further information available at: Manx Wildlife Trust