Isle of Man Guide

Onchan Wetlands

Curragh Kiondroghad

Open:	All Year
Acquired:	Manx Wildlife Trust 1988
Disabled:	Access
Location:	Onchan
Parking:	Available
Woodland:	Willow, Holly, Ash and Birch

History

Once the site of dam for Howstrake Mill. The dam silted up after the mill closed during the 1930's. The area was use as a tip for sometime and by 1988 when houses were built on surrounding land there was little visible water. In 1990 the Manx Wildlife Trust cleared the wetlands exposing the pond and put in a circular boardwalk of around 100m.

Since the clear up shrubby lichens have grown and given their sensitivity to pollution it is a good sign of how clean the area has become. There are nearly 100 species of flowering plant living in the wetland, including yellowflag iris and meadowsweet.

Nature Reserves such as this are important for the survival of local wildlife. Many ponds were lost after the second world war and reclaimed wetlands offer something for both wildlife and people.

Location

Onchan Wetlands is located in Onchan near Douglas in the east of the Island.

By Vehicle:
Travel to Douglas and then along the promenade. Turn up Summer Hill Road and then go along Main Road before turning off on Church Road. The wetlands is set back on the left side of the road.

By Bus:
Take any bus to Douglas and then the no. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 or 3 bus to Onchan. Walk down to Main Road and then along to Church Road.

By Railway:
Take the Steam Train or Electric Tram to Douglas and then catch one of the buses listed above to Onchan. It is possible to get off the Electric Tram at an Onchan stop (King Edwards Park) and walk to Sunnydale Drive and then right to Harbour Road and then onto Church Road. It is also possible to walk from the promenade up Summerhill Road and following the same directions for a vehicle.

Visiting

A well maintained wetland, though small is not without its charm. Best visited in spring/summer when the flowers and wildlife are flourishing. Keep to the boardwalk, as it can be muddy after rain. Remember that Trust volunteers cleared and maintain this area for the good of all, please keep to footpaths and take your litter home with you (or use bins provided).