Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) has welcomed the first cohort of Rosie's Interns, a new programme aimed at providing practical experience and professional development for people seeking careers in environmental work.

The programme was formally opened by MWT patrons the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer and Lady Lorimer at a ceremony attended by the interns, supporters and partners.

Based at the recently restored Thie Vunn (Munn's House) in Peel, the programme provides hosted internships across MWT's conservation, marine and engagement teams.

The five interns will gain practical experience in areas including ecological surveying, habitat restoration, marine monitoring, education, communications and community engagement. They will also receive mentoring, training and professional development.

More than 100 applications were submitted for the five positions, with the successful candidates selected following a competitive recruitment process.

The programme has been established with support from a number of organisations and private donors, including funding for accommodation, stipends, training and equipment.

A private donation funded the refurbishment of the property, while Shuttleworth Botanic Gardens has provided funding for intern stipends. Island Escapes has donated a fund towards training costs, while another private donation has enabled the provision of e-bikes for the interns.

The Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer commented: ‘This remarkable project reflects both the generosity of its donor and the vision of Manx Wildlife Trust. By investing in the next generation of conservation leaders, it will create a lasting legacy for nature in the Isle of Man and far beyond.’

MWT said the programme is intended to help develop skills within the island's conservation sector while providing participants with experience that could support longer-term careers in nature recovery, environmental management and community engagement.

The interns will work on projects across the island's land, marine and community programmes, contributing to MWT's ongoing conservation work.

The trust said the initiative forms part of its wider aim of increasing conservation capacity and supporting skills development in the Isle of Man.

Graham Makepeace-Warne, chief executive of MWT, said: ‘The response to Rosie's Interns has been extraordinary.

‘Receiving more than 100 applications for just four places, and ultimately creating a fifth position because of the quality of applicants, demonstrates the appetite and need for talented young people to build careers in conservation.

‘The Isle of Man proves that small places can have a big impact. Rosie's Interns brings together conservation, education and community in a way that benefits both people and nature.

‘We're proud to be creating opportunities for talented individuals to build their careers here while contributing to a more nature-rich island for everyone.’

The internship programme aligns with MWT's wider mission to create a nature-rich Isle of Man by strengthening conservation capacity, supporting skills development and helping more people build lasting connections with the natural environment.

Further information about Rosie's Interns, including details of the roles and programme, is available at www.mwt.im/interns.