Influencing policy

Policy Statement on Renewable Energy Developments 

Extract: Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) reiterates and acknowledges Tynwald’s declarations of both the climate and biodiversity crises, to which the Isle of Man is not immune. MWT believe that, amongst many other anthropogenic factors, climate change is negatively impacting both wildlife, and the habitats upon which wildlife depends, on a global scale. MWT therefore, in principle, supports renewable power as part of our nation’s wider strategies towards increasing energy efficiency, Net Zero 2050 and Nature’s Recovery.

Herbicide Use on Reserves Policy

Extract:  Herbicides are designed to kill plants and are therefore potentially damaging to plants and animals. MWT would always look to minimise herbicide use, however, there are certain species of plant that have to be removed by law and others that present a difficulty for the successful management of the nature reserve and it may become necessary to adopt chemical control. 

Land Acquisition Policy 

Extract:  MWTs’ Land Acquisition Policy sets out the decision making process for acquiring land, whether that is offered to MWT or MWT is seeking specific areas of land to purchase. The potential for Nature’s Recovery, Nature-based Solutions and Engaging People with Nature are equally important criteria for acquiring land. MWT believes that the management of land as nature reserves, wildlife sites, wildlife gardens and landscape scale countryside including sustainable farming, are a key means for it to protect Manx nature and engage people with nature. 

Wildlife Photography Code of Conduct 

Along with Manx BirdLife, we fully endorse the Isle of Man Government's 'Birds and the Law - A Code for Birdwatchers and Photographers' statement. When photographing wildlife it is important to remember you are a guest in their environment. Therefore, always show respect and consideration for the environment, for the subjects of the photographs and other people. This code of conduct has been written to help you minimise any disturbance to the wildlife you may be photographing. The well-being of wildlife is always more important than the photograph. Please be aware than in the Isle of Man it is illegal to intentionally or recklessly disturb (including in any way affecting the behaviour) a Schedule 1 species at or near a nest without a licence - please follow the link for more info. Please remember, that if a bird (or any other animal) is watching you while you are watching it, then it is being disturbed and may be prevented from resting, feeding, hunting, nest building or attending young.