Work has started on extending the arboretum in St John’s, to the east.
Director of forestry amenity and lands Andrew Sidebottom said: ‘The department has recently taken the opportunity, with the recent weather, to clear an area of gorse and scrub to the east of the Arboretum.
‘The area in question was transferred to the Department for a “peppercorn” sum in the early 80s and was in need of some attention before it became a fire risk or became unmanageable.
‘It is very early days in the development of the area and the transformation will not be instant because of other work pressures but the area offers fantastic views over St Johns and beyond and it is hoped that longer term the area will form a natural extension to the Arboretum for people to enjoy.
‘There have been no signs of any Phytophthora ramorum infections in the Arboretum.
‘The Department is continuing to tackle the disease in a bid to minimise the risk of the disease spreading to other plant types and species.’
The arboretum was created in 1979 to mark the millenium of Tynwald parliament. It currently covers an area of about 30 acres, divided into three subsections.
Work was complete for the official opening of the park on June 26, 1979, by the President of Iceland, Dr Kristjan Eldjarn.
A big attraction of the Arboretum has been the pond which is home to a large number of ducks. The first ducks came from the Wildlife Park in Ballaugh.
The second section of the park is on the hill, where visitors will see three roundels with native Sessile Oaks, Scotts Pine and Beech trees, which were planted in the mid-1980s.
The third section of the park is the walk up to the shelter at the top.
This specially-constructed shelter boasting panoramic views was donated by the high street retailer, Marks and Spencer, to mark its centenary in 1984.