NEW MICROSCOPES FOR MANX BIOLOGICAL RECORDING PARTNERSHIP THANKS TO THE MANX LOTTERY TRUST

The Manx Biological Recording Partnership (MBRP) has been able to purchase new microscopes and spotlights following a grant of nearly £2,500 from the Manx Lottery Trust.

The MBRP, a partnership of wildlife conservation focused organisations and individuals in the Isle of Man - led jointly by Manx National Heritage, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, Isle of Man Government and the Manx Wildlife Trust - collates terrestrial and marine data from across the Island.

The equipment will be held by Manx National Heritage for use by MBRP members for wildlife identification courses and training. Included is six microscopes, one with a camera, which can be linked via USB to a computer/ large screen, ideal for group teachings, four microscopes with a magnification of x80 so that small invertebrates such as spiders and beetles can be examined; plus one hand-held Dino-lite microscope for demonstrations.

Miss Laura McCoy, Curator of Natural History at Manx National Heritage, said: ‘The MBRP aims to encourage the public to learn to identify wildlife and make records of sightings. Based on the training courses and classroom visits we currently organise we estimate nearly 300 people every year, of all ages, will benefit directly – over 20 years that’s more than 5,000 people.

‘It is vital to have an understanding of the wild species that occur in our natural landscape because without that knowledge we cannot say what species are being lost with habitat degradation and climate change; and that’s a real worry. Teaching the public and school children to identify wild species not only improves their understanding and wonder of the natural world but also gives them the skills to do nature spotting and become involved in citizen science projects. We are very grateful to the Manx Lottery Trust for the support to buy these robust microscopes specially designed for teaching. ’

Manx Lottery Trust Chairman Sarah Kelly added: ‘We were happy to help with the purchase of this equipment to enable the MBRP to continue and expand its important educational wildlife work across the Island.’

To find out more about the MBRP visit: http://www.manxbiodiversity.org/MBRP.html