THE Glen Helen has experience ‘significant tree loss’ and works to restore the walkway to the Rhenass Falls is likely to take until late autumn, the Environment Minister has said.
Most of the island’s glens suffered damage to a lesser or greater extent during the recent adverse weather.
Work has been undertaken by the forestry division’s workforce and specialist tree surgery contractors to get the majority of glens re-opened or re-open by TT week, next week.
The exceptions to this are Glen Helen and Tholt-y-Will Glen, revealed the Environment Minister Phil Gawne MHK in response to a written question from Bill Henderson (Douglas North) in Tynwald.
Mr Henderson sought clarification on what actions the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) has been done to re-open the Manx glens in time for the tourist season and in particular the TT, including what resources have been divested to the forestry division to assist with the clearance and re-opening of footpaths, and how the Minister was liaising with the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure to assist with the process.
Mr Gawne said: ‘It is hoped that main path system in Tholt-y-Will will soon be open for local and visiting walkers, but part will remain closed where a large tree has blocked access.’
But the bigger clearance issues are at the Glen Helen, revealed Mr Gawne.
‘The clearance of Glen Helen will, however, require specialist skills and will be undertaken in two stages. Initially, it is hoped the path to the high bridge by the wishing chair will be cleared by TT week, thereby creating a reduced circular route for the use of visitors waling in the glen.
‘The second phase, clearing the path of the Rhenass Falls and removing trees that have fallen into the river, will be a very time-consuming exercise with operations envisaged to last until late autumn.’
Mr Gawne said the work is so specialist in nature is requires the need to employ tree surgery contractors.
‘The only option for additional support would be financial in nature to allow the use of tree surgery contractors and the full extent of likely works and costs are yet to be fully established. In this regard, we have not been in liaison with the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure.’
• The Glen Helen Inn and the Swiss House establishments located at the glen are open for business as normal.
Lindie Purcell, manager of the Glen Helen Inn, looks forward to the glen re-opening, even if only in part in the short-term.
‘Such a large amount of people come up to the glen, go for a walk and use the business. It would be nice for all customers if they can get it open.’
The glen is often also used by couples holding their reception at the Glen Helen Inn as a backdrop for their wedding photos.
‘It’s normally such a picturesque area it’s a bit of a disappointment coming up to the wedding.
‘At the moment the Victorian fountain is open, but you still can’t get anywhere past it,’ she added.