Manx Wildlife Trust has unveiled an island-wide internship programme that will train four early‑career conservationists each year.
The programme will offer training and experience across MWT’s land, sea and community projects, helping to grow future expertise for the Isle of Man and beyond.
The scheme has been made possible thanks to a major donation from an island resident, who has restored a historic Peel property, Thie Vunn, to house the interns from September.
Conservation Placements
The placements will run full‑time from September to May, with interns supporting ecological surveys, woodland restoration, marine monitoring and community engagement.
In return, they will receive structured training, mentoring and practical qualifications to help them move into environmental careers.
At least one place each year will be offered to applicants from the UK Overseas Territories, strengthening links with other small island communities facing similar environmental pressures.
Applications from Isle of Man residents are also encouraged.
Internships
Graham Makepeace-Warne, CEO of MWT, said: “MWT has long held the ambition to provide an equitable internship programme for budding conservationists, wherever they come from.
“Thanks to this incredibly generous donation, we can now make that ambition a reality. High quality internships open doors, they allow people who care about nature, but who might not otherwise get the chance, to gain experience, build confidence and develop skills that lead to real careers. For MWT, it also increases our capacity to deliver practical conservation and community projects across the island.”
David Bellamy, Head of Conservation and Land at MWT, added: “Volunteer internships are one of the most effective ways to bring new people into conservation.
“They provide real professional experience and mentoring while also strengthening the work we deliver on the ground. Our interns will contribute directly to woodland restoration, marine monitoring, ecological surveys and community engagement, supporting MWT’s role within the Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.”
