The Manx Bat Group has become the 300th UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man partner after pledging to promote ’sustainability, conservation and education’.

This scheme encourages organisations, such as schools, charities and businesses, to demonstrate their commitment to the island as a UNESCO Biosphere.

A biosphere is a vision for the island to create a sustainable future.

The MBG is a wildlife group that promotes conservation of the island’s nine bat species. The activities and organisation of the MBG are managed by a volunteer committee.

It does this through educational talks, regular meetings, activities such as guided walks throughout the summer and volunteer led surveys.

It also offers advice to property owners and developers regarding bat activity.

Plus, it rescues and cares for sick, injured and grounded bats found in the island.

Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture and vice-chair of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, presented the group’s chair Nick Pinder with a certificate to welcome their newest partner last week.

The minister was ’pleased to welcome’ the group.

She said: ’Connecting people with nature, the challenges it faces and the important role of conservation and education is a key part of our biosphere status.

’The dedicated volunteers of the Manx Bat Group make an important contribution to this.

’I am pleased to welcome this long-established charity as our 300th partner.

’I hope its work, and that of our other partners, inspires even more organisations to make decisions and take actions that will contribute to a sustainable future for both people and nature.’

Nick Pinder, MBG chair, added: ’We’re very proud to be the 300th partner.

’Our work has already contributed significantly to the biosphere goals and formalising this relationship can only help us continue to do so, for the benefit of both the bats and the people of the Isle of Man.

’It will also help raise our profile.’

Currently, the Isle of Man has nine species of bat.

These being the brown long-eared, daubenton’s, leisler’s, natterer’s, pipistrelle, whiskered and soprano pipistrelle.

Anyone who comes across a sick or injured bat can contact the group’s bat helpline on 336177.

The MBG was formed in 1990 following the introduction of the Wildlife Act, which provided legal protection to Manx bats for the first time.

It was set up to promote the knowledge, study and welfare of bats in and around the Isle of Man.

It gives volunteers a vehicle through which to inform discussions about bat issues, research Manx bats and provide independent advice to the public on bat issues.

If you wish to join the group and assist with their work of tracking down bats and protecting roosts, can easily do so by visiting manxbatgroup.org.