On Thursday 10th June, Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) and Manx Bat Group (MBG) came together to agree and sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The two organisations want to work more closely in the conservation of bats and their habitats, education and helping achieve the goals of the Isle of Man Biosphere.

The Isle of Man is home to 7 different species of bat. All these species, and their roosts, are protected by law after the Manx bat population declined, along with their habitats. Bat ‘hotspots’ across the Island include Silverdale Glen, Port Soderick, Summerhill Glen, and Onchan Wetlands, a MWT nature reserve.

Through this MOU MWT and MBG want to further the monitoring, citizen science and data collection for Manx bats, enabling a greater understanding of the species on Island.

Signing on behalf of MWT was Leigh Morris, MWT CEO. Leigh said “I’m delighted that MWT have signed an MoU with the Manx Bat Group (MBG). The conservation of bats in the Isle of Man is extremely important and is something MWT are constantly involved with, particularly with our ecological surveys. An official link-up with MBG mirrors the relationship we have with Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch (MWDW) and Manx Basking Shark Watch (MBSW), which shows the IOM that we are working closely together for Manx nature and its conservation. We are looking forward to knowledge and data sharing with MBG and potential joint projects together”

Nick Piner, MBG Chair and recorder signed on behalf of MBG. Nick said “The Manx Bat Group are very pleased that their relationship with Manx Wildlife Trust is to be deepened by entering into this MoU, after all, we have similar aims, to look after our wildlife heritage. I am sure that the MoU will lead to greater collaborative working between the two organisations at a time when the Bat Group, in particular, is seeking more members and more volunteers to assist with its extensive programme of surveying and monitoring the various bat species on the Island. These are exciting times in the bat world with recent discoveries including two species new to the Manx list of bats and new tools to enable members to get closer to understanding our bats.”

Both organisations are looking forward to working together more closely in the future.

MWT are keen to work more closely with a range of organisations and groups across the Isle of Man to champion conservation and look at ways in which wildlife and the environment can support other sectors through a more synergistic approach.