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Community Wildlife Project To Be Extended To Isle Of Wight

Saturday, 16 April 2022 07:00

By Dominic Kureen X @WriteOnDom

An innovative project designed to help nature recover in Portsmouth is being extended to the Isle of Wight, thanks to funding from Southern Co-op.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust hopes it can replicate the success of its ‘Wilder Portsmouth' project, which has helped build a nature recovery network across the city.

The ‘Wilder Wight' project, which is supported by the regional, independent co-operative, Southern Co-op, will enable Wilder Communities Project Officer, Kelly Wetherick, to work specifically for the Island.

Kelly will support urban communities across the Island to build self-sustaining initiatives to create more space for wildlife.

These could include greening community spaces or streets, improving areas for pollinators, bats, swifts and hedgehogs, or setting up groups to tackle problems such as litter and household pollution.

The project is initially focusing on Ventnor, Binstead, Freshwater, Pan and East Cowes.

Becky Fisher, Deputy Director of Engagement at the Trust, said:

"Our relationship with Southern Co-op is longstanding and hugely important to us and we really are extremely grateful, not only for the funding they give us, but also their help and support.

"For the past two-and-a-half years they have worked with us on the introduction and rollout of our flagship Team Wilder programme - Wilder Portsmouth - and have taken great steps on their own estate to understand and enhance the biodiversity that lives there. 

"It's because of the huge success of Wilder Portsmouth that we can now look to introduce Wilder communities elsewhere, including on the Isle of Wight."

It is hoped the project will help build a nature recovery network across the Island, helping to develop the skills and expertise needed to take the long-term lead in delivering and maintaining such a network.

This will ensure local people play an essential role in caring for their local environment and wildlife. 

To get involved, email wilder@hiwwt.org.uk.

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