Leigh joined MWT in September 2019 after a two-year stint working on the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic. The opportunity to lead MWT, with its broad portfolio of conservation work across both land and sea within the Isle of Man’s UNESCO Biosphere, was a perfect fit. Over the past five years, Leigh has been instrumental in expanding MWT’s work and ensuring its growth. Under their leadership, MWT celebrated its 50th anniversary and was honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service earlier this year, marking a significant milestone for the organisation.
Reflecting on their time at MWT, Leigh said: “The last five years have been a wonderful chapter of my life. I am extremely proud of everything the MWT team has achieved for nature in the Isle of Man. The Manx Nature magazines and annual reports from this period showcase some of these accomplishments, and I am particularly proud of our work during MWT’s 50th anniversary and our receipt of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.”
While Leigh would have been happy to remain with MWT, the opportunity to take on a new challenge with TWT, and a new chapter of life, was too compelling to pass up. In his new role, Leigh will focus on advancing international nature and climate agendas and creating greater connections between TWT’s local conservation efforts and global environmental frameworks.
There are four key components to Leigh’s role at TWT:
- Providing Expertise on Global Conservation and Climate Change: Leigh will offer strategic advice on key international treaties and programs that align with TWT’s mission. This includes representing TWT on issues related to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Coordinating TWT’s International Participation: Leigh will oversee TWT’s involvement in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) working groups and committees, as well as the UN’s Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings, ensuring TWT’s contribution to international efforts.
- Developing an International Engagement Plan: Leigh will work on a five-year plan to help raise awareness of global environmental agreements at the UK level, enhancing communication about how TWT’s work contributes to the global nature and climate agenda.
- Expanding TWT’s Global Reach: A key focus will be on building relationships with governments, international NGOs, and other stakeholders to support TWT’s international initiatives. This includes identifying potential partnerships, funding opportunities, and exploring the possibility of twinning local Wildlife Trusts with similar organisations abroad.
Although Leigh is transitioning to TWT, he will remain closely connected to MWT’s ongoing work. In particular, he will continue to be involved in the Inter Island Environment Meeting (IIEM), which will be hosted in the Isle of Man for the first time in September 2025.
MWT’s Council has already initiated the process of recruiting a new CEO, with the aim of making an appointment by mid-May. Further information can be found at www.mwt.im/jobs. In the interim, MWT Trustees will ensure a smooth transition, with Deputy CEO Graham stepping in to support operations. Furthermore, Leigh will continue to support MWT during the transition by offering up to 10 days of assistance throughout the remainder of 2025.
Leigh added: “I leave MWT with a sense of pride in everything we’ve accomplished and a deep confidence in the team and the future of MWT. 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.”
