Manx Wildlife Trust Awarded King’s Voluntary Service Honour

The Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT), an organization established in 1973 that has advocated for wildlife protection on the Isle of Man for over five decades, has been granted the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. The recognition specifically cited the Trust’s efforts in “delivering and championing conservation of Manx nature and the environment”. In 2024, the MWT was among 281 volunteer-led organizations chosen to receive this accolade. Leigh Morris, the chief executive, stated that the group’s 500 volunteers constitute “the backbone of how our charity delivers our nature conservation and restoration work”. Operating from Peel, the charity oversees multiple nature reserves throughout the island, manages visitor centers located at the Ayres and Scarlett, and initiates ongoing programs to advance Manx wildlife and environmental awareness. Furthermore, it holds a contract to supply wardens for the bird observatory situated on the Calf of Man, acting on behalf of Manx National Heritage. A recent undertaking by the MWT involves a proposed nature reserve in East Baldwin, featuring 30,000 trees, which secured planning approval during the previous month. Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer, who is scheduled to present the award to the MWT early next year, commented that the recognition was “exceptionally well deserved”. Sir John Lorimer further stated: “I am very impressed with the breadth and scale of the work undertaken by Manx Wildlife Trust.” He added that “The dedication of their volunteers on the island is critical in maintaining the island’s environment on land and sea, and in preserving our special and unique status as a whole-nation Unesco biosphere.” Mr. Morris remarked that individuals who have voluntarily participated in the organization’s efforts over the last five decades are “all wonderful people who give their valuable time to help nature”. He concluded by saying it was “absolutely wonderful that every single one of them” was being “honoured in this way by our King”.