Last Friday, Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) and Manx National Heritage (MNH) took another big step for partnership working in the Isle of Man and for Manx biodiversity by signing a Memorandum, of Understanding (MOU).

MWT already have a long history of joint working with MNH, for example, for 10 years MWT have managed the Calf of Man Bird Observatory, an iconic site for the IOM, originally owned by the English National Trust and now held in trust for the Manx community by MNH. Working together for over a decade has shown the benefits that can be achieved through partnership working. The increase in Manx Shearwater numbers from 0 to more than 900 breeding pairs is just one of our real achievements.

MWT and MNH now formally intend, through this MOU, to collaborate and work even closer together in matters of the Island's environment, biodiversity, conservation and education, ultimately helping to deliver the aims of our UNESCO Biosphere.

Jonathan Hall, Chairman of MNH said: 'MNH tends to be known for its built heritage and historic collections. In fact, our legislation is very similar in tone to that of the English National Trust when it talks about preserving the beauty of the Manx Countryside. We are significant landowners and because we hold that land “in trust” for future generations we have to take a very long-term perspective. This long-term perspective means that we are well-placed to consider issues such as climate change, sustainability, biodiversity and so on. On the other hand, large organisations that take a long-term perspective sometimes appear to move slowly. Working with a smaller, more nimble partner, such as MWT, has its advantages.'

Viv Davies, Chair of MWT said: 'Like-minded organisations such as ours can make a real difference now and long into the future, hopefully embracing other partners along the way, and moving from pockets of nature to a connected vibrant natural tapestry - a green lace to enhance all our lives, a Nature recovery Network for the Isle of Man'

The MOU signing took place with a backdrop of stunning artworks produced by Manx based artists in the temporary exhibition space at the House of Manannan in Peel where the joint MWT and MNH Art of Nature exhibition had been running throughout the Summer. The exhibition has now closed but the artworks are still available to view and purchase up until Christmas at https://manxnationalheritage.im/shop/product-category/art-of-nature-mwt-exhibition/ 

A video of the full speeches by Manx National Heritage's Edmund Southworth, Director, Jonathan Hall, Chairman, and Manx Wildlife Trust's Viv Davies, Chair, and Leigh Morris, CEO and a PDF copy of the Memorandum of Understanding can be viewed at https://www.mwt.im/news/another-win-manx-biodiversity-mwt-signs-memoran…