Leader 'instrumental' in growth of wildlife group

A conservation group leader who has been "instrumental" in ensuing the growth of the organisation is moving on after five years in the post.

Manx Wildlife Trust chief executive Leigh Morris will leave the post in May to take on the role of Director of International Nature and Climate at the Wildlife Trusts.

Mr Morris, who took up the post in September 2019, said he was leaving with a "sense of pride " in what had been accomplished and "a deep confidence in the team".

His new role, which works with an association of 46 local trusts including the Isle of Man, aims to bridge the gap between local conservation efforts and global environmental challenges.

He said the last five years had been "a wonderful chapter of my life", and he was "particularly proud" of the work carried out during the group's 50th anniversary in 2023 and its receipt of the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

"Though I will be embarking on a new chapter, I know that my connection to MWT and the Isle of Man is far from over," he added.

A spokesman for the Manx Wildlife Trust said that Mr Morris had been "instrumental" in expanding the charity's work and "ensuring its growth".

He would continue to be involved in the Inter-island Environment Meeting, which will be hosted on the Isle of Man for the first time in September.

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