Nature forum gets off the ground

There was a good turnout for the inaugural meeting of the Manx Nature Conservation Forum last night, despite the bad weather.

The event, which coincided with World Wetlands Day, was organised by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and provided an opportunity for anyone with an interest in wildlife and the preservation of the countryside to express their views.

On Mandate this morning, Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne said he hoped such gatherings would increase public and political commitment to conservation issues (play attached audio file):

(Image: Part of a Manx Nature Conservation Trust poster, advertising last night's event).