PDMS supports Isle of Man's first carbon credit project

PDMS has collaborated with Manx Wildlife Trust and other local businesses on the Island's first carbon credit project. 

Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) recently launched the project at The Crossags Fields, part of the MWT Hairpin Woodland Park in Ramsey. PDMS joined Hansard Global and Resilience Management (IOM) in purchasing high integrity carbon credits produced by planting trees on the site.

The project kicked off on Monday 18th March with a tree planting session attended by stakeholders of all three companies, with Bruce McGregor representing PDMS. 

About the project

The aim of the project is to establish and sustainably develop native woodland, carbon sequestration, biodiversity gain, engagement with local community, and create a public amenity space for all to enjoy. The site is part of a broader 50-year plan and will be held in perpetuity by MWT for nature and people alike, forming a great addition to the Island's UNESCO Biosphere landscape. 

The project is estimated to sequester over 3000 tonnes of carbon over the first 50 years and the carbon credits produced are being verified by the Soil Association, using the UK Woodland Carbon Code. 

Leigh Morris, CEO of MWT said: 

"This is a landmark moment for MWT and the Isle of Man as we launch our first ever in-island carbon credit project. In 2023 we launched our project at Creg y Cowin funded by Aviva, and I am delighted that we are now working with Isle of Man based businesses PDMS, Resilience Management (IOM) and Hansard Global, with another, Lloyds Bank International, providing the financing.

He added:

This pilot has been over two years in the making, and we have collectively learnt a great deal that we will use to inform the development of a carbon credit project that other businesses and individuals in the Isle of Man can buy-into, and directly contribute to our Island Biosphere’s climate change mitigation and biodiversity strategies. There is some speculation about carbon offsetting globally, but what we are now able to offer the Isle of Man, is high integrity carbon credits - real trees, in real fields, that you can even help to plant, and can visit at any time to see them grow and develop. Exciting times!"

The Crossags Fields are part of the wider MWT Hairpin Woodland Park project which will encompass native woodland, wetlands, meadows and a forest garden to showcase sustainability, wildlife, and carbon capture. 

This pilot project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared vision of the parties involved. Through our combined efforts, we aim to create a legacy of environmental stewardship and community engagement for our Island's future.

MWT are now looking to establish more carbon credit projects on Island to support local businesses and the Island's ambition to achieve net zero by 2050.