After the period we have all been through, I think many of us are looking forward to new beginnings and fresh opportunities. For Manx Wildlife Trust the last few years have concentrated on making our strong foundations even stronger. Ironically, and we should look for the silver linings, Covid has emphasised our need to move on, embrace new technologies, realise the value of what we have and appreciate its vulnerability. As a result, MWT is now even fitter for purpose enabling us to seize those opportunities for Manx wildlife now and into the future.

As I come to the end of my tenure as a Trustee and Chair of MWT, I would like to take a little time to reflect on what has been, for me, an amazingly exciting and challenging period.

MWT’s remarkable achievements over the last 10 years are far too many to detail. I hope you keep, and are kept, abreast of them as a member and through the many other channels available. In addition to this magazine and the local press I hope you have seen MWT’s increased presence using social media? Full credit to our engagement team! MWT’s staff have used webinars and videos to bring their work into our homes in ways we would not have imagined only a short time ago. Most importantly, through our 2020 strategy, MWT is focusing on where we can make the most positive impact on our natural world here on the Island.

The part I have played is largely behind the scenes as a MWT Trustee from 2012 including taking over the role of Chair from Richard Higgins in 2017. Over that period, I have had the pleasure of working with 3 CEO’s, Duncan Bridges, Tim Graham and now Leigh Morris. Each has brought/brings different skills which contributes massively to progressing the objectives of MWT, alongside the dedicated and talented staff and volunteers.

MWT’s Council of Trustees is more diverse and has an even better skill set to provide good governance now and into the future. I contend that a strong, representative leadership enables the charity to be responsive and agile - this has always been important but perhaps more now than ever. We must make sure MWT delivers its purpose within the current legislation and regulation giving due regard to the day-to-day issues ranging from safeguarding to treating our staff responsibly.

I would encourage everyone reading this to stand up for nature, in whatever way we can, no matter how small that may seem. MWT is entering a particularly exciting yet demanding period when it will be championing locally led conservation so get involved!

I will finish with a huge thank you to everyone I have had the privilege and pleasure to connect with for over a decade. A special thanks to those I leave now to carry on MWT’s work although I will stay in touch as a volunteer and member!

I am delighted to hand over the Chair role to Simon Cain. Simon brings his own extensive skills and experience to the role. He has, as you may know, a deep knowledge and understanding of MWT gained from three years as a Trustee and an unparalleled family involvement.

I wish him, MWT, and all our friends and supporters all the very best for the future.