A united voice for nature
in the Isle of Man
Manx nature is at its lowest ebb, not only in the diversity of our native wildlife, but also in the natural abundance of individual, rare and endangered wild species. This is largely due to human impact by all of us, something that is happening all around the world, and the Island is no exception.
About us
Manx Nature Alliance is an independent advocacy group dedicated to speaking up for nature and ensuring a stronger, united voice for Manx biodiversity. By bringing together conservation organisations and independent ecological experts, the alliance works to amplify collective efforts and hold decision-makers to account in protecting the Isle of Man’s natural environment.
At the heart of its mission, Manx Nature Alliance advocates for a more ambitious ecological site protection programme, supporting the Isle of Man government in meeting its Biodiversity Strategy goals and obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 2030 Global Targets. Through research and public engagement, the alliance ensures both policymakers and the public are well-informed about key environmental issues.
The alliance is committed to ensuring that nature remains a priority on the island’s agenda. A key focus is working alongside Manx Wildlife Trust to enhance and update the Manx Wildlife Sites system, ensuring key ecological areas are effectively recognised within planning policies. Additionally, the alliance supports the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) in advancing the designation of Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI).
Founding organisations and ecologists
Manx Nature Alliance is made up of four core conservation organisations, representing a combined membership of over 1,500 people and a social media reach of over 24,000.
Manx Wildlife Trust has been working hard for over 50 years, protecting our Island’s wildlife and helping people feel more connected to nature. It cares for land, sea and freshwater environments. MWT has over 1,000 volunteers who were recently given the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. It manages 34 nature reserves covering 1061.03ha / 2621.86 acres (almost 2% of the land area of the Isle of Man).
Manx Bat Group, established in 1990, promotes the knowledge, study and welfare of bats in and around the Isle of Man. The Group brings together volunteers from across the Isle of Man interested in the conservation of Manx bats. Independent advice is provided to the public and for planning and surveys.
Manx BirdLife is working to sustain the abundance and diversity of wild birds on the Isle of Man through surveys and censuses, conservation projects, citizen science projects, environmental education and habitat creation at both the Point of Ayre National Reserve and the Langness Peninsula. Ornithological consultations and bird surveys are provided for businesses, landowners and homeowners across the Island.
Isle of Man Fungus Group is committed to recording, researching and conserving fungus biodiversity through field recording and public engagement. The Group runs field trips, forays and courses with professional mycologists. It carries out surveys for planning, conservation and research. Find us on Facebook.
Independent Manx ecologists
Alongside these organisations, eight independent professional ecologists contribute their expertise, strengthening the alliance’s ability to advocate for Manx nature.
Elizabeth Charter BSc, MSc, MCIEEM, CEnv
Liz is Chair of the Isle of Man Fungus Group. She has worked recently as an independent ecological consultant. For many years she was the Principal Biodiversity Officer at the former Wildlife and Conservation Division of Isle of Man Government’s Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.
Philippa Tomlinson BSc Hons, DPhil, MCIEEM
Dr Tomlinson is a consultant ecologist at Curragh Environmental Consultancy. She was formerly a researcher at the Centre for Manx Studies and was biological records manager for the Manx Biological Recording Partnership. She has a deep interest in the development of the Manx landscape.
Nick Pinder BSc, MSc
Nick is a keen defender of the Island’s bats. He works tirelessly to protect and conserve bats and their roosts and habitats. For many years he worked for the Manx Government running the Curraghs Wildlife Park and at the same time established the Phase 1 habitat survey and the Wildlife and Conservation Division.
Jane Prescott BSc, Dip. LD, MA, Dip. Herb, CMLI
Jane is a Chartered Landscape Architect and former Director of Prescott Associates Ltd. She is also a Herbologist and now carries out garden design work and teaching about the healing power of plants through The Manx Herbalist. She is passionate about our engagement with the natural world.
Fiona Gell BSc, MSc, DPhil, MemMBA
Dr Gell is a marine biologist, environmental policy specialist, author and well known local marine conservationist. She works energetically on marine conservation and climate change marine issues.
Neil Morris BSc Jt Hons
Neil Morris is a strong advocate for nature protection and former CEO of Manx BirdLife. He maintains a keen interest in our Island’s wildlife conservation.
Jennifer Sharp BMedSc, BMBS, DRCOG, DFSRH, MRCGP, DLM
Dr Sharp is the Biological Records Manager for the Isle of Man and a part time medical practitioner. She has a love of the Manx countryside where she was born and bred. She is studying for an MSc in ‘Wildlife, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health’ at the University of Edinburgh.
Karen Galtress PhD, BSc Hons, Dip Eur Hum
Dr Galtress is a freshwater fisheries scientist and conservationist who was formerly DEFA’s rivers management officer, and is on the Isle of Man Recreational Fisheries Management Board.
Job vacancy
MNA is currently seeking a part-time Nature Advocacy Officer who will help us achieve our mission. We are looking for a confident and articulate person to assist with influencing wildlife policy and legislation. Making a real difference to nature conservation on the Island through advocacy and engagement; this is a fantastic opportunity to work with a team of experienced ecologists and speak up for nature. We aim to be a united voice for biodiversity in the Isle of Man. Scientific skills are not essential; we need a well-organised, self-motivated and strategic-thinking person who is willing to work in a team.
This is a casual part-time role which will average one day a week but this role will require flexibility. Remuneration to be negotiated.
Closing date Friday 30th January 2026.
Interested? Please get in touch for further details manxnaturealliance@outlook.com.
Donations
To support our work with a financial donation or offer ecological skills on a voluntary basis do get in touch manxnaturealliance@outlook.com.
Issues of ecological concern
Manx Nature Alliance intends to focus on urgent issues at a strategic level. We are keen to share our views on a number of controversial wildlife and conservation issues on the Island. We have limited resources which means that we only deal with issues of a national or strategic nature and do not intend to become involved in, or reply to emails about, local or privately owned areas of ecological concern.
Habitat Loss
We are worried about the loss and degradation of habitats both marine and terrestrial. Wetlands have been lost and are in poor ecological condition. We encourage their restoration. MNA will be advocating for a more ambitious site protection programme to ensure that key places for wildlife on the Island have statutory protection and are managed for the effective conservation of species and habitats.
Non-native Species
We are worried about non-native species that spread into wild places and destroy natural wildlife. Of particular concern are feral animals and plants such as cats, red-necked wallabies, Griselinia littoralis and Japanese knotweed. We will support the work of our partners and we will produce position statements to help with policy and decision making in government.
Progress of designation
The designation of Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) has slowed down since government resources have been severely reduced. Targets are not being met and we are unlikely to reach the 30×30 goal. In 2023, the Isle of Man’s Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) commissioned a review of the ASSI designation process. In response, Manx Wildlife Trust wrote this letter and provided supplementary information that you can view here.
Only one Ramsar designated wetland exists on the Island. The 2005 review carried out by the UK OT&CD Conservation Forum proposed five further sites for Ramsar designation and that was over 20 years ago. These additional sites still await this internationally recognised designation.
The MNA is working with Manx Wildlife Trust to catch up with the designations of Manx Wildlife Sites.
Biodiversity Strategy review
The Island’s Biodiversity Strategy is due for renewal/review in 2025. We are pushing for engagement on this review by DEFA with local conservation groups. The review document will set the tone for DEFA’s future strategy, therefore input from local environmental groups is essential to ensure it is fit for purpose and reflects the urgency to address the Biodiversity Crisis recognised by Tynwald in 2022.
Legislation review
The Wildlife Act 1990 is woefully out of date and no longer fit for purpose. It urgently needs a thorough revision. At the very least, we intend to request a review of Schedules of the Wildlife Act–those species which require special protection. These lists of endangered plants and animals, as well as potential harmful non-native invasive species, urgently need to be updated. We will work with partners to progress these updates. Further information about Red-Listed species can be found here: Plants of Conservation Concern 2022. Freshwater Fish of Conservation Concern 2024. Birds of Conservation Concern 2021.
Biodiversity Indicators
Biodiversity Indicators provide a guide to the progress of actions in the Biodiversity Strategy. A set of indicators was drawn up in 2014 but these have never been implemented. We aim to review the biodiversity indicators and provide a report which we will publish here.
Manx Nature Alliance
Whilst working collaboratively, Manx Nature Alliance aims to create lasting, positive environmental change and ensure the Isle of Man’s biodiversity is protected for future generations.
Contact us: manxnaturealliance@outlook.com.
Manx Nature Alliance 