Manx Wildlife Trust receives King's Award for Voluntary Service 

It's the MBE equivalent for voluntary groups in the UK and Crown Dependencies

Manx Wildlife Trust has been honoured with the King's Award for Voluntary Service. 

It's the MBE- equivalent for voluntary groups in the UK and Crown Dependencies to recognise exceptional service within their communities.

The group, which supports wildlife and the environment, is one of 281 groups to receive the award this year. 

Manx Wildlife Trust will receive the award from the Lieutenant Governor at an event in their honour at Government House early in the New Year. 

The Lieutenant Governor, Sir John Lorimer, says he was delighted to receive the news of The King’s award to the Manx Wildlife Trust: "I am very impressed with the breadth and scale of the work undertaken by Manx Wildlife Trust. 

"The dedication of their volunteers on the Island is critical in maintaining the Island’s environment on land and sea, and in preserving our special and unique status as a whole-nation UNESCO biosphere. 

"This award is exceptionally well deserved.’ 

Commenting on the award, Chief Executive Officer Leigh Morris said: "Manx Wildlife Trust was formed over 51 years ago by a group of passionate volunteers (some of whom still volunteer with us today), and for almost half our existence Manx Wildlife Trust was run entirely by volunteers. 

"There is now a small paid staff team, but the c.500 volunteers who contribute regularly in a huge range of different ways, remain the backbone of how our charity delivers our nature conservation and restoration work.

 "Our volunteers are all wonderful people, who give their valuable time to help nature in the Isle of Man, and it is absolutely wonderful that every single one of them over our 51+ years is being honoured in this way by our King."

Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, Clare Barber said: "This recognition is a testament to Manx Wildlife Trust’s outstanding contribution to the protection of the Isle of Man’s unique natural environment. 

"Their dedication to conservation is vital in preserving the Island’s rich biodiversity, both on land and at sea. As a UNESCO Biosphere, our Island is globally recognised for its commitment to sustainability, and the work of the Manx Wildlife Trust plays a crucial role in ensuring we maintain this status for future generations."