Greg Watson is Wild About Conserving Manx Wildlife

Greg Watson is living the dream, if your dream involves bats, bogs and biodiversity spreadsheets. At just 22, he’s already making waves as a Trainee Ecologist and Consultancy Administrator with Ecology Vannin, part of the Manx Wildlife Trust. His work covers everything from housing developments to hedgehogs, and now he’s one of this year’s Gef 30 Under 30 winners in the Sustainability category, supported by UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man. Not bad for someone who used to spend weekends surveying bugs for fun.

From passion to profession

‘I was a passionate conservationist before heading to university,’ Greg says. That obsession led him to a degree in Wildlife Conservation at Nottingham Trent, followed by a summer job with the RSPB in England. After graduating, he came home to the Isle of Man and landed a role that combined fieldwork, admin, policy and community engagement in one.

‘My work involves both project management and administration for our ecological consultancy, but I’m also in a trainee ecologist role hoping to become a full ecologist,’ he says. ‘This type of mixed job role is not widely available, especially to young ecologists straight out of university.’

Learning on the job

Greg is quick to shout out the people who’ve supported him. ‘I know it’s all down to the belief and trust that people like my former boss at Manx Wildlife Trust, Leigh Morris, have had in me which has put me in this position.’ Since joining, he’s seen the consultancy grow in both size and influence. That’s a win for his career, and a win for the natural world.

But not everything is as cooperative as the wildlife he’s trying to protect. ‘The biggest hurdles have been dealing with other human beings,’ Greg says. ‘Wildlife conservation is still not so important in everyone’s minds… the biggest challenge has been to show people why it is and should be important to them.’

Inspiration and advice

Greg takes inspiration from well-known conservation legends like Steve Irwin and David Attenborough, but it’s the people closest to him who have had the most impact. ‘My parents have been a huge part of my appreciation for wildlife and the reason why I worked so hard at university,’ he says. ‘And the people I’ve worked alongside, their dedication is inspiring.’

The best advice he’s ever received? Keep it simple. ‘Hard work and honesty get you the longest way. This means working hard as an individual and especially when part of a team, and being honest to yourself and others in tough situations.’

Looking ahead

Greg hopes to keep growing as an ecologist while helping others see the value of protecting nature. He also wants to travel more and tick a few species off his personal wildlife list.

He’s also excited about the role that technology will play in the future of conservation. ‘I think AI and remote sensing technologies will play a big part in my field… it helps to improve conservation efforts and sustainability.’

Proud to be back

Moving back to the island wasn’t just the practical choice. It was personal. ‘I’m proud to be contributing positively to the community and island I grew up in,’ Greg says. ‘There are unique opportunities here with some incredibly dedicated people who are willing to mentor you.’

And the Gef 30 Under 30 award? A moment to remember. ‘It means a lot to me, and I am honoured to be recognised for my work in ecology and wildlife conservation that I am so passionate about. It’s great to have such an award that recognises young people and their hard work and commitment to their fields on our island.’

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