As well as an update on what I have gotten up to this month, I would like to take the opportunity of my final blog to share the article that I have written for the MWT biannual magazine. In my article, I have outlined my time with MWT and reflection on how I have developed.

A key highlight for August has been getting my freshwater fish of conservation concern document finished! It has now been sent off to various organisations for endorsement at which point it will be ready for release. It has been a really interesting project and I hope that it will be useful to many in the future. As feedback is dripping back in I am going to try my best to respond to all of my emails before I return to university this weekend!

I undertook a British Trust for Ornithology online course on the identification of wading birds this month. I found it useful to learn ways to distinguish between species and ways to remember patterns, flight behaviours and calls. Once I had completed my course I went on a lunchtime stroll around Peel Castle and spotted a common redshank on the rocks - I was chuffed to spot a bird that I had recently taken it upon myself to complete a course in!

Another highlight this month was the opportunity to attend Government House for an event celebrating the contribution of volunteers to MWT over the past 50 years. It was very mind-opening to see so many people who have dedicated their time to Manx nature over the years and it was an honour to be there. 

Surveys

I have done a lot of work with the Manx Bat Group lately. I have helped set up a baseline of bat data for the new MWT Nature Reserve Creg Y Cowin. This involved putting out bat detectors for days at a time and collecting them back in for the Bat Group to analyse data and write up a report. The baseline data is great to have for future comparison and I would expect the bat activity to increase as trees are planted.

As a thank you, Nick Pinder took me to a dawn roost survey at Lezayre church. The long-eared bats were a real spectacle and I was in awe of the number of bats that we saw. I have grown quite fond of bats recently and hope to continue improving my skills in this area when I return to university for my final year. 

I helped Ecologist David carry out a protected species survey on dark bush crickets. These crickets are not considered protected anywhere else in the British Isles, but as the population is so small on the Isle of Man they were written into the Wildlife Act 1990. It was exciting to find them at the survey site, although they were difficult to spot! Only the males make any noise at all and so when I spotted a female I was very impressed with myself.

Farewell!

I still cannot believe that I have been working with MWT for an entire year. I have learnt so much about myself and I am forever grateful for all of the people I have had the opportunity to work alongside. 

You have not seen the last of me yet though, I wish to return to the Island after I have finished my degree and continue to help make the Isle of Man a better place for wildlife.