The part-time post (2.5 days per week) comes at an important time for MWT’s woodland programme. MWT Hairpin Woodland Park in Ramsey has been steadily growing and developing as a flagship engagement space and community woodland, most recently through the addition of over 10 acres of neighbouring former Bona Vacantia land, bringing new areas of young woodland, grassland glades and paths into public use and increasing the site to nearly 74 acres in total. The role will further support MWT’s woodland sites across the Isle of Man, including its Manx Rainforest sites at Glen Auldyn, Creg y Cowin and Glion Darragh, alongside its wider network of woodland projects.
Woodlands are increasingly recognised by health, planning and environmental bodies not only for wildlife, but for the practical benefits they bring to everyday life. Well-managed woodland can help reduce flood risk, improve air and water quality, and make communities more resilient to drought and extreme weather. Access to nearby green space is also linked to better physical and mental health, and to making places more attractive to live and work.
The Woodland Engagement Officer will be based primarily at MWT Hairpin Woodland Park, working closely with area residents, volunteers, schools and community groups. The focus of the role is on helping people make use of the site, supporting community-led activities and events, and ensuring the woodland continues to develop in ways that benefit both wildlife and people. Alongside this, the role will support nature learning, develop engaging interpretation and communications, help ensure the site is welcoming and safe, and work closely with MWT’s woodland team to deliver a high-quality visitor experience. The role will also help connect communities with MWT’s wider woodland and rainforest sites across the Isle of Man.
Graham Makepeace-Warne, CEO of MWT, said:
“Our woodland sites are becoming some of the most important shared spaces on our Island; for wildlife, for learning, and for people’s wellbeing. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to build lasting relationships between communities and nature, so that local people don’t just visit these places, but help shape their future. From the growing MWT Hairpin Woodland Park to MWT Glen Auldyn Nature reserve and our wider Manx Rainforest programme, we are creating Living Landscapes that will serve both nature and people for generations to come.”
Carmel Croukamp, Head of Engagement at MWT, added:
“MWT Hairpin Woodland Park, as a community woodland that benefits everyone around it, will best be able to serve people and bring the benefits of nature to those who live nearby if it is genuinely shaped by the community. When local people are involved in how the site is used and cared for, it becomes a place that is looked after, well-used and valued in the long term, a vibrant community asset rather than just a space on a map. The Woodland Engagement Officer will spend time listening to communities, supporting activities on the ground, and helping people connect with the wider story of woodland conservation and restoration taking place across the Island.”
The part-time (2.5 days per week) role involves regular outdoor work, supporting events and activities, and some evening and weekend commitments. A full, clean driving licence is essential.
Further details, including how to apply, are available from Manx Wildlife Trust at https://www.mwt.im/jobs/woodland-engagement-officer-part-time