Arbory and Rushen Parish Commissioners are taking many steps to protect our natural resources, and have undertaken a significant community wood planting scheme (over 3,500 trees) with the Manx Woodland Trust and DEFA, with hopes to plant more in future. They hope to introduce a waste and litter reduction scheme in conjunction with Beach Buddies, and wish to move to all LED street lights in Arbory and Rushen. The commissioners aim to sensitively maintain our hedgerows along the Parishes roadsides and fully adhere to the Manx Hedge Code.
Arbory and Rushen Parish Commissioners encourage local businesses to minimise waste as far as possible and they offer a fortnightly collection which significantly reduces the waste collection’s carbon footprint. They aim to support local businesses in any procurement, which helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the parishes' activities.
Arbory and Rushen Parish Commissioners are active in supporting and promoting our cultural heritage. They installed a talking bench at Balladoole describing the history of the area, in memory of the previous Parish Clerk. They have supported a new heritage trail on the Colby River which is due to be installed in the next few months. The Commissioners' website includes details about the history of the parish and aims to include much more in the future. The Commissioners are able to respond to queries in the Manx Language if requested and use and support the language wherever possible.
The commissioners are in the early stages of planting and developing an extensive parkland, Ballakilley Park, which aims to connect people with their environment by planting fruit trees and areas of nettles and comfrey to use as fertiliser, to encourage volunteers and groups to engage with planting and maintenance, and generally encourage wildlife to the area through planting.
The commissioners have a community volunteer team which was initially established during Covid, which has developed to cover a range of new activities in the parishes. Activities include several community litter picks, engaging with volunteers to plant the community woodland and engaging with community groups, charities and local businesses to assist in planting and maintaining Ballakilley Park.
