Manx marine life education programme extended after £45k grant

News imageBryony Manley/Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch Risso's dolphinBryony Manley/Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch
Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch logs sightings of the marine mammals in Manx waters

An conservation charity's scheme to educate school children about marine wildlife is set to be expanded after it received grant funding.

Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch (MWDW) has been awarded £45,000 by the Manx Lottery Trust for the free sessions.

The group said it would enable its education and outreach manager to expand the "inspiring programme".

The workshops would give children "the knowledge to understand and appreciate marine conservation", it added.

News imageManx Whale and Dolphin Watch Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch childnren's education sessionManx Whale and Dolphin Watch
Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch has held education sessions since 2017

Education and outreach manager Jen Adams, who also maintains the sightings database and runs public outreach events, would also be available to grow awareness of the island's marine life by engaging with tourists and locals, a MWDW spokeswoman said.

Ms Adams said: "These sessions proved to be extremely popular, and were often re-booked by schools following positive feedback.

"This funding will allow the expansion of sessions, building a robust programme and covering higher age groups up to GCSE level."

The programme is delivered at the group's education centre in Peel.

News imagePresentational grey line

Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk