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Community Ranger – Welcome to the community!

Find out all about Hannah and her first few weeks as MWT's Community Ranger!

Wow, what an exciting first month living in the Isle of Man!

My name is Hannah and I’m over the moon to introduce myself as the new (and first!) Community Ranger for Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT), supported by Lloyds Bank International. As you can guess, I’m pretty new to the Island, moving here from Bristol and starting for MWT in mid-May. Although still wrapping my head around place pronunciation, the TT and all things Manx, I can honestly say I’ve loved my first month here, and already feel incredibly at home.

Hannah Peel Hill

My journey to working in conservation has been slightly untraditional. Prior to embarking on a career change and completing an MSc in Applied Ecology, I worked as a Stage Manager in the theatre. This was freelance work, and in between contracts, I’d fill my time by volunteering for wildlife and environmental charities. As I was enjoying this so much and was becoming increasingly concerned by the climate and ecological crisis, I decided to go back to university and begin a new career.

Hannah

One of my previous volunteering roles at Greenpeace

Now I’m really excited to be working with both people and nature. As Community Ranger, I will be trying to engage more people with their local wildlife. I’ll be working alongside volunteers to help establish community and urban nature reserves and to make sure that there’s space for nature everywhere.

A key, initial project that I’ll be working on is at our Onchan Wetlands reserve. Although only a hectare in size, this small nature reserve provides an important haven for wildlife in an otherwise urban landscape. It is located within the heart of the community and offers a great opportunity to engage people with their local wildlife.

Hannah

Getting stuck in at the Calf of Man Bird Observatory 

We are therefore transforming Onchan Wetlands into a community led nature reserve. A green space managed by and serving the community, that can offer a place to come together, improve wellbeing, and get in touch with nature. We know the space needs a little TLC, so we want to hear ideas from the public about what they think is important and what they want to see on the site. It’s a community space that will help care for both wildlife and people.

Hannah

An interview with Manx Radio!

My background in theatre, revolved around working with a team of people to produce a production for the enjoyment of people. Although in a very different location (with a lot more natural light!) I feel like I can use these skills to work with the community, to make a wonderful nature reserve.

So that’s a small introduction to me and what I’ll be doing in the IOM. If you have any suggestions, then please email me at hannah@mwt.im I feel incredibly lucky to have secured this brilliant job and to be living in such a beautiful place. I can’t wait to meet more likeminded people, and to work them to bring wildlife to the community. I hope you come back for my next blog and find out more about what I’m doing on Twitter, the MWT Facebook Page and Instagram.

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