“Plantation,” they called it. But Eairy Beg is more than just a plantation. It’s a story etched into the Manx landscape. The Eairy Beg plantation at Glen Helen was originally planted in 1959.
Eairy Beg spans 85 hectares. Planting occurred between 1959 and 1963 and then again in 1988. This plantation sits on the side of Beary Mountain. Its upper reaches face harsh exposure making its potential uncertain. Twenty-one hectares were restocked with Sitka Spruce in 1988.
Imagine farmer Billy Quirk, living here at Eary Veg tholtan. This was in use as recently at 1946. At the turn of the 20th Century farmer Billy Quirk lived here, with his 10 children. Step back in time to the early 20th century. Picture Billy Quirk and his ten children calling this place home. Feel the weight of history. Consider the lives lived within these now-silent ruins.
Venture along the woodland river valley. The river creates a lot of noise with tiny cascades and small waterfalls along its route. These culminate in a dramatic waterfall deep in its heart.
Follow the path as it climbs. You’ll eventually reach the top where it meets the moorland. Leave the heavily wooded plantation behind you with extensive moorland. Eairy Beg offers fine views in all directions. While more enclosed than other high points, it still commands attention.
The Eairy Beg farmhouse was sold to the forestry commission in the late 40’s, early 50’s. The Sitka Spruce plantation was created in 1959.
Eairy Beg’s paths are not always clear. Several paths criss-cross each other. But if in doubt, keep moving downhill and slightly to the right. Eventually, all paths will meet up.
Today, Eairy Beg invites exploration. Walk its trails. Discover its history. Imagine the lives that shaped this landscape. Eairy Beg is not just a place. It’s a memory. A story whispered on the wind. A testament to the enduring spirit of the Isle of Man.