Grant awarded to revive St John’s Community Garden

An Isle of Man nature charity has received more than £2,000 to help revive a community garden.

Gary Yn Ellan Ain, a garden in St. John’s originally created as a temporary facility in 2018, is the site of a community-led project aimed at restoring biodiversity in the area.

The Isle of Man Wildlife Trust has received a grant from the Manx Lottery Fund to bring the garden back to life.

Hannah Phillips, the charity’s community ranger, said the organization could continue to develop the space as “a hub for both wildlife and the local community”.

According to her, this space has already “united people of all ages.”

The Isle of Man Wildlife Trust will work with community members and the Prison and Probation Service to complete the project.

The £2,467 funding was “vital” to restore the wildflower beds and “improve the overall garden environment at Gary In Ellan Ain,” Ms Phillips added.

The grant will also be used to replace signage and animal silhouettes representing the various species found throughout the island.

Stephen Turner, chairman of the Isle of Man Lottery Fund, said it was a “fantastic” community project that “encourages local participation as well as supporting the island’s biodiversity.”