A new online petition has been launched calling for the creation of a state-of-the-art dinosaur museum and science park in Sandown.
Started two days ago by Martyn Hornett, the petition supports long-standing plans by the Dinosaur Isle Group (DIG) to build a modern facility that showcases the Isle of Wight’s world-renowned fossil heritage.
Global importance of Island discoveries
The Isle of Wight is recognised as one of Europe’s richest dinosaur fossil sites. In the last five years alone, ten new species have been discovered here, including Vectaerovenator, Riparovenator, Ceratosuchops, Brighstoneus and Vectiraptor.
These finds have attracted international attention, underlining the Island’s potential to become a global hub for palaeontology, education and eco-tourism.
Vision for a new museum and science park
DIG’s vision includes a modern museum to house and protect the Island’s fossil collection, a surrounding science park with life-sized anatomically accurate dinosaur models in a rewilded environment, and a research and education centre to attract scientists and students from the UK and beyond.
Plans also feature an immersive visitor experience designed for families, schools and international tourists. The site would integrate science and nature, providing educational opportunities alongside eco-friendly tourism.
Past progress and current opportunity
In 2017, DIG won a competitive bid to take the project forward. However, progress stalled due to delays, procedural changes and opposition to using the land around the existing museum site.
With Sandown Town Council now considering new uses for the surrounding land, the group believes the time is right to revisit its original plans.
Call for public support
The petition aims to demonstrate strong public backing for the project so that, if a tender for change of use of the council-owned land is issued, the case for a new museum and science park is clear.
Supporters describe it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a facility that reflects the Island’s global significance in palaeontology while bringing benefits in jobs, education and tourism.
The petition can be signed and shared online to help show the level of public interest in seeing the plans move forward.
