(c) MWT
Lieutenant Governor formally opens MWT's inaugural Rosie's Interns Programme
Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) welcomed its first cohort of Rosie's Interns, a new conservation internship programme designed to help develop the next generation of environmental professionals while strengthening nature conservation in the Isle of Man.
Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) welcomed its first cohort of Rosie's Interns, a new conservation internship programme designed to help develop the next generation of environmental professionals while strengthening nature conservation in the Isle of Man. The programme was formally opened by MWT Patrons His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor and Lady Lorimer at a small ceremony attended by interns, supporters and partners.
The initiative, based around the recently restored Thie Vunn (Munn's House) in Peel, provides fully hosted internships across MWT's conservation, marine and engagement teams. Interns will gain hands-on experience in ecological surveying, habitat restoration, marine monitoring, education, communications and community engagement while receiving mentoring, training and professional development.
Interest in the programme significantly exceeded expectations, with over 100 applications received for the five internship places. Following a highly competitive selection process, five outstanding interns were appointed, each bringing their own skills, perspectives and enthusiasm for conservation. Together, they form the inaugural Rosie's Interns cohort.
The programme was established through the generosity of supporters who have helped create both accommodation and development opportunities for early-career conservationists. As well as the generous private donation and refurbishment of the property others have also generously supported the scheme: Shuttleworth Botanic Gardens have provided funding to enable the provision of a stipend to the interns while Island Escapes have donated a fund to cover training costs. Another private donation has enabled the provision of E-Bikes to help the interns get around.
Beyond providing practical experience, the initiative also aims to strengthen the Island's conservation sector by helping talented individuals build meaningful careers in nature recovery, environmental management and community engagement. The internship programme aligns with MWT's wider mission to create a nature-rich Isle of Man by strengthening conservation capacity, supporting skills development and helping more people build lasting connections with the natural environment. Interns will contribute directly to projects across the Island's land, sea and community initiatives, increasing MWT's ability to deliver practical conservation outcomes.
Further information about Rosie's Interns, including role descriptions and programme details, can be found at www.mwt.im/interns.
“This remarkable project reflects both the generosity of its donor and the vision of Manx Wildlife Trust. By investing in the next generation of conservation leaders, it will create a lasting legacy for nature in the Isle of Man and far beyond.”
"The response to Rosie's Interns has been extraordinary. Receiving over 100 applications for just four places, and ultimately creating a fifth position because of the quality of applicants, demonstrates the appetite and need for talented young people to build careers in conservation."
"The Isle of Man proves that small places can have a big impact. Rosie's Interns brings together conservation, education and community in a way that benefits both people and nature. We're proud to be creating opportunities for talented individuals to build their careers here while contributing to a more nature-rich Island for everyone."MWT CEO