Moving on 'bitter sweet' for conservation boss

Leigh Morris, who has been the chief executive of the Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) since January 2000, is preparing to leave his position in May to take on a new role as the Director of International Nature and Climate at the Wildlife Trusts. He described his departure as 'bitter sweet', reflecting on the meaningful experiences he has had while working in conservation on the Isle of Man. Over the past five years, Leigh has overseen significant growth within the charity, which has seen its team and land holdings triple in size. He expressed that he has learned a great deal about conservation during his time on the island, which he considers a 'wonderful microcosm' of nature, and he hopes that he has contributed positively to the organization as well. One of the major initiatives that Leigh has been involved in is the ambitious project to plant 30,000 trees at Creg y Cowin, which is part of a larger £38 million plan being implemented by the Wildlife Trusts. Additionally, Leigh played a crucial role in securing a government contract for MWT to help deliver an agri-environment scheme, which is particularly important as agriculture occupies about 75% of the land on the island. When he first joined the organization in January 2000, MWT managed only about 0. 3% of the land, but that figure has now increased to 1%. Despite the historical tensions between farmers and conservationists, Leigh noted that the scheme has allowed for collaboration to improve conditions for nature. Furthermore, Leigh initiated a survey to assess the wild wallaby population on the island, as there was previously no data available. He was astonished to discover that the count in the Ballaugh Curraghs revealed around 700 wallabies, with the total population on the island now estimated to be between 1,200 and 1,500. Leigh hopes that this survey will provide enough information to develop a management plan for the wallabies. During his tenure, MWT has also launched an educational program across 32 primary schools on the island, celebrated its 50th anniversary, and received the King's Award for Voluntary Service. Leigh remarked that the team has accomplished a tremendous amount over the past five years and believes it is a fitting time for him to step away. He commended all those involved in the various projects, stating, 'People are the reason we need conservation and people are the solution to the island being a wonderful showcase of what a biosphere could look like.