Meet the team - Staff

David Bellamy BSc (Hons) MA was born and raised on the Island. He joined MWT in April 2021 in the new role of Agri-Environment Officer and as a consultant avian ecologist.  David studied Ecological Science & Conservation Management at the University of Edinburgh and has since gained a wealth of practical land management experience on the MWT nature reserve estate across the Isle of Man. 

As Agri-Environment Officer, David’s role was to provide advice to Manx farmers on the ins-and-outs of the Agri-Environment Scheme process, the specific initiatives themselves, and farm-specific advice on implementing nature-positive farming whilst ensuring the continued financial sustainability for the sector. David assisted DEFA with the initial roll-out and bedding-in of the AES from 2021 onwards. From July 2021 to December 2023 conducted over 500 farm visits.

In January 2024 David took up the role as MWT's Head of Conservation, leading the terrestrial & marine conservation teams and directing our conservation work, including Action for Wildlife, the Agri-Environment Scheme and our wonderful network of MWT Nature Reserves.

Adam Denard BSc (Hons) began working as a consultant Ecologist for MWT in 2016. However, he started out as a volunteer on our reserves back in 1999 before heading off to university where he studied Conservation and Land Management (BSc (Hons) First Class and Higher National Diploma). During that time, he was a field assistant in the boreal forests of Northern Finland and back in the UK he also worked with the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit of University of Oxford.  He has worked professionally as an Ecologist since 2003 with a focus on impact assessment of protected habitats and species (particularly higher plants, birds, bats, reptiles and amphibians). He holds protected species survey licenses for all species of bat, common lizard, common frog, barn owl and dark bush-cricket.

Andree Dubbeldam BSc (Hons) PGCert, born and raised in Sussex joined MWT in 2002 as ‘Wildflowers of Mann Project Manager’.  ,  His work for MWT has included leading a survey of the Island’s flora, launching the Ramsey Forest Project, working in the ‘Wildlife Sites’ project and helping landowners create new woodlands, wetlands, meadows and other habitats across the Island. He is currently working on the forthcoming ‘Action for Wildlife’ initiative. Andree also works as a part-time lecturer at the Isle of Man College, where he teaches courses in the land-based sector.

Robert Fisher first joined MWT as a volunteer on the Calf of Man in 2020, spending two seasons as Assistant Warden on the Calf of Man where he gained his bird ringing licence. Back on the mainland in 2022 he joined our team of consultant ecologists, focusing on avian survey work, both during the day and at night using thermal imaging. With a practical background in Curlew & Lapwing conservation, he was appointed as MWT’s Farmland Birds Officer in April 2023. His role is to increase our understanding of our most threatened birds of conservation concern, such as Tree Sparrow and Lapwing, and work with Manx farmers participating in the Agri-Environment Scheme to implement effective conservation measures. Robert has a wealth of practical conservation experience across England, Wales and the USA and has previously worked as an engagement officer with the RSPB on Anglesey. Outside of work Robert has ringed over 10,000 birds of over 70 species including a Woodcock ringed on the Calf of Man found in Russia.

Tricia Sayle BSc (Hons) MSc became Reserves Officer in 1998 after many years as a volunteer.  She was born and brought up in the Isle of Man on a small farm/market garden.  It was from this background and through joining various local conservation volunteer groups across, that Tricia’s interest in land management for nature conservation grew.  She returned to the Island in 1991 to undertake a Phase 1 habitat survey and spent the next several years completing this as well as a Phase 2 survey. During this time, Tricia regularly attended the Thursday volunteers' group which became the “Midweek Muckers” which she now manages.

Jenny was born on the Isle of Man and undertook her medical degree at Nottingham University before completing her General Practice training in Somerset. She returned to the Isle of Man in 2012 and has been involved with the Isle of Man Woodland Trust for the past 5 years. Jenny has a great love for the outdoors and spends much of her time walking, climbing, or gardening. She has been involved in audit and data management throughout her career and is now transferring these skills to look after the Island’s Biological records.

Greg Watson BSc (Hons) has joined MWT in 2023 as the new Ecology Vannin Consultancy Administrator/Trainee ecologist. Greg was born and raised in the Isle of Man where he developed a passion for wildlife, assisting with local bird and bat surveys since 2017. He has since gained a BSc with honours in Wildlife conservation at Nottingham Trent University where he developed a wealth of ecological knowledge and field skills.

During his time in the UK he worked for the RSPB, leading a team that coordinated the protection and monitoring for a colony of rare breeding European bee-eaters in North Norfolk.

His undergraduate research involved research into winter roosting hen harrier on the Isle of Man, showcasing his passion to ensure greater conservation efforts are afforded to iconic Manx species and their habitats.

Katie Grace BSc (Hons) joined MTW in April 2024 as our Agri-Environment Officer, taking over the day-to-day running of the Agri-Environment Scheme from David Bellamy. She has a BSc Hons in Agriculture and Environmental Conservation for which her dissertation focused on Agri-Environment Schemes in the United Kingdom.

Katie has long-standing experience in the natural environment; she has previously worked for Manx BirdLife surveying breeding birds, and has volunteered for the RSPB and MWT as a Midweek Mucker on our nature reserves. Katie has undertaken work experience on livestock farms in the UK, New Zealand and the Isle of Man and more recently has been working in horticulture, including at Mallards Botanic Garden in Santon where she was involved in conservation farming and habitat creation.

Seb Swithinbank BSc (Hons) joined MWT in September 2024 in the newly created Woodlands Ranger - Estate role. He will be undertaking the practical tasks required to enhance MWT's woodland sites and begin the transition of MWT Creg-Y-Cowin and MWT Glion Darragh nature reserves to temperate rainforest. 

Seb earnt a BSc in Zoology from the University of Leeds, and a Diploma in Arboriculture from Tree Life Arboricultural Consultancy. He worked at DEFA for 4 years as a Tree Officer and has spent time living in Alberta, Canada. 

In his free time, Seb can be found mountain biking, rock climbing, and snorkelling.

Hi! I'm Tappee, it means 'fast' in Manx Gaelic and you pronounce my name 'Tah-Vee'. I'm a little tern and I was born at the Ayres in 1973. I love going on tour around the Isle of Man showing people how they can help wildlife on their doorstep. From healthy soils to brilliant bugs, pesticide free plants and help for hedgehogs, volunteering, campaigning or becoming a member, there is a way you can get involved that is good for you, good for your community and good for wildlife. Come and say hi! #TeamWilderonTour

Graham Makepeace-Warne BA (Hons) moved to the Isle of Man to join MWT at the start of 2018 after a 20-year career in Manchester, culminating as Project Director for a prominent marketing agency. With a strong interest in wildlife and ecology, Graham has previously volunteered on conservation projects like the tracking and recording of wolves in Lower Saxony, Germany. He looks after our members and manages all our communications, marketing and PR. As our Campaign Manager, he can often be seen or heard talking about everything from plastics to a #WilderFuture. Graham is a keen photographer and also runs a small video production company.

Lucy Chapman (BA Hons) joined Manx Wildlife Trust in September 2022 as the Team Wilder Coordinator. Her career began in the UK working for charitable organisations, engaging with local businesses and the community. Following relocation to the Isle of Man in 2010, she worked in Corporate Social Responsibility for several years.

During a short career break after starting a family, Lucy continued volunteering and set up a community gardening project, which has been running for more than five years and is still thriving under the care of a group of local volunteers.

A novice, but enthusiastic gardener, Lucy completed the Manx Wildlife Trust Wildlife Gardening Course in 2021 and practices wildlife gardening in her garden in Douglas.

With a keen interest in helping people to mobilise change and support nature and biodiversity on their doorstep, Lucy has embarked on a master’s degree in Sustainability and Behaviour Change with the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Wales.

Ali Hodgson MA(RCA) joined Manx Wildlife Trust in May 2023 and has a background as a values-led and multidisciplinary designer, artist, curator and visual storyteller. She has a track record for working with forward thinking organisations and non-profits to deliver creative people and planet based solutions to some of our world’s biggest challenges. Ali has worked and collaborated with organisations such as the International Futures Forum, The World Fair Trade Organization, EcoLabs, Resurgence & Ecologist Magazine, DESIS (Design for Social Innovation Towards Sustainability), Enable Foundation and closer to home, Shakti Man and Net Zero IOM to name a few. 

Beth Penhallurick BSc (Hons) joined MWT in April 2023 having completed a degree in International Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response with a Primary Teaching placement. She has previous experience teaching wildlife education while working for an environmental charity in Costa Rica.

Beth moved to the Island from Birmingham, where she supported children with additional needs. During this role, she worked in partnership with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust to provide a Forest School for children with additional needs.

Hannah Phillips BA (Hons) MSc joined MWT in May 2022 as their Community Ranger, supported by Lloyds Bank International, having recently completed her Applied Ecology Masters at The University of Gloucestershire. She moved to the Island from Bristol, where she worked as the Volunteer Organiser at a retirement village. 

Hannah has previous experience working with members of the community while volunteering as a Volunteer Leader for the afforestation charity 'Avon Needs Trees'. She has also volunteered for Avon Wildlife Trust and was the Local Media Coordinator for the Greenpeace group in Bath. 

Hannah was drawn to the Isle of Man by its beautiful scenery and wide range of habitats. She has always wanted to live by the sea and is excited to get involved in a variety of water sports.

Amy Howse is the Biosphere Artist in Residence for 2024/24. Amy’s background as a sound artist and sound therapist enables her to use sound to deepen our connection with nature in a way that both complements and differs from traditional visual art forms. Her approach offers an immersive experience that engages the senses beyond sight alone. Through her residency, Amy is seeking to foster sustainable wellbeing by using sound to help individuals experience the vibrant, unseen dimensions of nature—reminding everyone that personal wellbeing and the health of the Biosphere are intricately intertwined.

Alex Ponko MA joined MWT in October 2024 to be our new Woodlands Ranger - Engagement and Nursery. In her role, she engages with the Isle of Man community at woodland sites like MWT Hairpin Woodland Park and develops and expands the nursery at Milntown Estate and Gardens to grow trees and plants for conservation projects. 

Alex comes to us from California where she received her BSc in Wildlife Management and Conservation and MA in Biology with a focus on community-based conservation and citizen science. She has worked with many communities around the world in promoting nature-based education and connection including those in her hometown, Belize, South Africa, and the Galápagos Islands. 

In her free time, Alex loves to explore the Island, bird-watch, and learn about Manx culture and heritage.

Dr Lara Howe CSci CMarSci MiMarEST joined MWT in 2014. She studied Marine Biology at Liverpool University, based at the marine lab in Port Erin. She then went on to complete her PhD there in Marine Habitat and Species Impact and Recovery. Lara then spent 5 years working for Cefas (Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) as a Marine Environmental Impact Assessor providing scientific advice to DEFRA and later the MMO (Marine Management Organisation) on marine developments. She is a keen diver, active in the local Seasearch group and a member of IMarEST (Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology) since 2008. IMarEST is the first institute to bring together marine scientists into one international multi-disciplinary professional body. Lara is also a Chartered Scientist and a Chartered Marine Scientist at member level within the group.

In January 2021, MWT became the Seasearch coordinators with the Marine Conservation Society (MSC) for the Isle of Man, with Lara heading the project.

Seasearch is a MCS project that encourages volunteer scuba divers and snorkellers to record and report the species and habitats they see whilst they are out enjoying the marine environment.

lara@mwt.im

Eleanor Grover joined MWT in March 2022 as the Assistant Bird Warden on the Calf of Man. Having harboured a deep love of birds and nature since a child, Eleanor has always been working towards a career in ornithology. She spent time on several British Bird Observatories, including the Isle of May, Fair Isle and Bardsey, before spending a season on Lundy in 2021. A trainee ringer with the BTO since 2014, Eleanor gained her ‘C’ licence on the Calf of Man before, in 2024 gaining her 'A' licence. Eleanor took over from Aron Sapsford as the Calf Bird Warden in October 2024.

Chloe returns to the Calf of Man in 2024 as Estate Warden to continue (and maybe even finish!) the work she started there in 2022 as the volunteer Assistant Estate Warden. Chloe has contributed to conservation and biodiversity projects all over the world and likes nothing better than to share her passion for nature through film and radio. You can follow her Calf of Man adventures via @awildguide on social media or her YouTube channel here. After a busy day working on habitat management and Calf duties, Chloe often relaxes by swimming in the beautiful Manx coastal waters and immersing herself in the Calf’s unique nature. 

Mike has been a volunteer warden on the Calf of Man since 2017. Mike's background is in computing and business management, but it's his general practical skills that are of greater value on the Calf and he is often to be found there either building or repairing stuff.

Based in Wales, Mike is a qualified bird ringer/trainer and has wide ornithological experience gained from working with the Wildlife Trusts, RSPB and BTO on a range of surveys and projects. Mike also knows a bit about moths having created the website www.montgomeryshiremoths.org.uk