Who we are
The Manx Wildlife Trust, first established in 1978, is the principal voluntary nature conservation body on the Isle of Man with concern for land sea and freshwater environments. The Trust has a membership of approximately 1,100 individuals.
Our aims
- To acquire and manage nature reserves, safe sites for wildlife, conserving some of the best habitats and species on the Isle of Man
- To promote knowledge and enjoyment of the Islands natural environment
- To take action when wildlife sites or species are threatened
- To carry out and promote scientific research
- To offer ecological expertise and advice
The work we do
The Trust owns and manages 20 nature reserves, covering over 270 acres, including some of the most threatened and diverse habitats around the Island. Half of these sites are open to the public all year round – the other half are maintained as refuges for the benefit of the wildlife and are accessible only by prior arrangement.
We operate two visitor centres, one at Scarlett near Castletown, and the other at the Ayres during the season, plus there is a wildlife shop at Tynwald Mills. All the reserves and visitor centres open to the public are free.
We have a full programme of nearly 100 wildlife and conservation related walks, talks and events throughout the year. We provide guest speakers and presentations for other groups and major events.
The Trust operates several major projects in partnership with other government and non-government bodies, including:
- The Wild Flowers of Man Project aimed at preserving and promoting native wild flowers throughout the island
- An Education Officer, providing in-school and out-of-school education services
- The Manx Wildlife Sites system, identifying and supporting suitable management of sensitive and important wildlife sites
- A Marine Officer post, promoting better public awareness of marine wildlife around our shores
- The Manx Basking Shark Watch project, which records and carries out research into the summer influx of basking sharks to our waters
- Plus, involvement with many other projects such as the Conservation Verge Network, the new Flora of Isle of Man, Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch and various community and private wildlife conservation initiatives
There is a junior arm of the Trust, the Watch group. The Watch group takes children from ages 8 to 16 and provides wildlife related events and activities, from rock-pooling through to peregrine watches.
How you can help
The Trust operates with the minimum of staff, and we could not achieve even a small proportion of our aims without the support from our members and their hard work and input. Over 200 of our members are active in providing practical and hands-on help with our work.
As with most charities on the Island we face a constant increase in demand for our services and support. Major campaigns absorb large proportions of time, effort and funds.
We always welcome offers of support, either in the form of practical help, funding, or as gifts of materials, equipment or land for reserves.
We have moved
The business address of The Manx Wildlife Trust has recently changed to our new location at:
7-8 Market Place
Peel
Isle of Man
IM5 1AB