Restoring Rainforests to the Isle of Man
When Andre Dubbeldam stands beneath a line of equally tall and slender Sitka spruce trees, he can't help but observe the abundance of conifers. These were brought over from the Pacific Northwest, a considerable 4,000 miles away from the Isle of Man, a UK dependency situated between England and Ireland. The island's gentle and humid climate makes it a fitting environment for temperate rainforests, also known as Celtic rainforests.
The trees that currently exist and those that dwell in his mind's eye share a common space. Dubbeldam envisions the transformation of the 174-acre Glion Darragh Nature Reserve in the future. No longer would it be an unsuccessful timber plantation in a nation struggling to process wood at scale; instead, it would become a diverse forest with assorted heights, textures, sounds, and scents, ranging from the sweet aroma of honeysuckle to the pungent scent of stinkhorn fungus. He visualizes the numerous insects, birds, and even grazing cows that the forest would attract as the vegetation matures.
Although this may seem like an unrealistic dream, the replanting process in this peaceful valley is yet to start in earnest. Dubbeldam, a wildlife officer for the Manx Wildlife Trust, hopes that within about 15 years, the land will be inhabited by cows that emit less methane when they burp. However, it's uncertain if such breeding can result in healthy cows. He thinks that the rewilding of this site can coexist with some grazing, thinned-out conifers, and more native trees, as well as eco-tourism with caution. This strategy may appear overly ambitious to some purist conservationists.
However, this plans align with the practical approach adopted by Manx Wildlife Trust, the NGO managing the Glion Darragh Nature Reserve, along with other reserves on the island. In 2024, a nature enthusiast donated this land to the charity upon her father's demise. This land, which was already up for sale for a considerable period, according to Graham Makepeace-Warne, the head of engagement at Manx Wildlife Trust, has not been removed from its productive use through this conservation process.
Farmers are concerned about the loss of farmland, and the Manx National Farmers’ Union has opposed similar plans elsewhere to convert agricultural land into rainforests. Nevertheless, the union does not have any specific issues with converting monoculture coniferous plantations into native trees, as in the case of the Glion Darragh site.
Dubbeldam highlights that diversifying forests can help combat tree diseases, while expanding forests will allow the island to absorb more water overall. With the weather conditions becoming more erratic due to climate change, a 50-year flood is now equivalent to a 5-year flood. He made this statement shortly after Storm Bert, which caused power outages, travel disruptions, and fatalities in neighboring UK. Not only are storms becoming more intense, but droughts are also becoming drier.
The rainforest restoration work has been funded by insurance company Aviva as a part of a £38 million donation to restore temperate rainforests across the British Isles. Makepeace-Warne explains that supporting biodiversity and climate protection is both economically sensible and philanthropically beneficial for companies dealing with risk; it will only become more expensive to tackle climate change. "What we can do as a trust," he says, "is to plant the right trees in the right place," promoting both carbon sequestration and biodiversity.
There's a part of the reserve that already resembles what Dubbeldam dreams for the rest. At the edge of the conifer forest and by a stream, soft, green moss has started to return to the spruce trees. Occasionally, a small fern can be spotted. It's a noticeable contrast from the uniform, dark rows of trees behind. This area appears "ancient, gnarled, and Tolkien-esque," as Dubbeldam describes it.
It's quite distinct from the monoculture of US-sourced trees in the same reserve. This mossy area invokes the history and mystery associated with the term "Celtic rainforest." With enough dedication and planning, more parts of the Isle of Man may gradually mirror this rich natural heritage.
Reporting for this article was supported by the Isle of Man’s Department for Enterprise.
Dubbeldam's vision for the Glion Darragh Nature Reserve includes the introduction of rewilding techniques, aiming to transform it into a diverse forest that resembles the Celtic rainforest. This would not only attract various wildlife, such as insects, birds, and cows, but also promote the growth of native trees, potentially resulting in healthier livestock breeds with lower methane emissions.
The Manx Wildlife Trust, managing the Glion Darragh Nature Reserve, receives funding for its rainforest restoration project from Aviva, a UK-based insurance company. This donation is part of Aviva's commitment to restore temperate rainforests across the British Isles, recognizing the economic and environmental benefits of supporting biodiversity and climate protection.