Join the Island Nature movement: Share your voice on the Isle of Wight's habitat restoration

Island Nature is an opportunity to share your thoughts on what can be done to help the recovery of our habitats and wildlife here on the Isle of Wight. Your opinions will help shape a new approach to nature conservation called the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

The UK has experienced significant biodiversity decline and habitat loss over the past 25 years. Of the 240 nations and territories assessed in The State of Nature Report in 2023, latest global data demonstrates that the UK ranks 12th and England worse still at seventh from the bottom.

Whether you take an interest in nature or not, the wildlife, habitats, natural processes, and ecosystems on which we all rely on are disappearing across the country, even the everyday species we often believe to be common, such as starlings and sparrows, frogs or slow worms.

Frog poking its head through green leaves in the pond — Amphibians under pressure due to loss of habitat, here a garden pond makes all the difference © Ian Boyd Arc

Dandelions sprouting up on derelict site © Ian Boyd Arc — Amphibians under pressure due to loss of habitat, here a garden pond makes all the difference © Ian Boyd Arc

Local Nature Recovery Strategies
In response, DEFRA and Natural England are working with local authorities across the country to help them create Local Nature Recovery Strategies as part of the legal requirement of the Environment Act 2021. The Isle of Wight council has asked local ecological experts Arc Biodiversity and Climate to assist with the creation of the LNRS on the Island.

Island Nature is the LNRS for the whole of the Isle of Wight and its inshore waters, drawing together experience and expertise from across the spectrum: regulators, residents, farming, forestry and landowner communities, businesses, community groups and environmental organisations, to shape positive change for wildlife.

The strategy will be published by the end of 2024.

Young slow worm and conservation apprentice at Pan, Newport © Claire Hector ARC

Take part in the Island Nature Survey
How can you help? Please take part in the Island Nature Survey! This short questionnaire will help us understand your priorities for wildlife and habitat recovery on the Island and help identify those places that you feel could work wilder!

Island Nature Survey

Buck: Many ways for everyone to get involved
Samantha Buck, Director at Arc Biodiversity and Climate said,

“There will be many ways for everyone to get involved, whoever you are, and whatever you do on the Island, you can play a part.

“By contributing to this survey, you are already making an essential contribution.”

House martins rely on the built environment for building their nests - just by leaving their nests under your eaves, you can make a huge difference to their survival — House martins rely on the built environment for building their nests – just by leaving their nests under your eaves, you can make a huge difference to their survival © Claire Hector ARC

Grogan: Help shape the future of the bugs, beasts and birds
Richard Grogan, IW National Landscape Manager said,

“Working with the Isle of Wight Council on the IWLNRS confirms the IW National Landscape Partnership’s commitment to practical action in the Isle of Wight Biosphere for nature recovery.
“We hope as many people as possible from all walks of life on the Island will take part in the survey and help shape the future of the bugs, beasts and birds that make the Isle of Wight their home.”

Seadrift on the coastal dune — Coastal dunes reestablish with a bit of support © Julian Winslow

Peacey-Wilcox: I hope as many residents as possible will get involved
Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Biosphere and Waste said,

“The Island Nature work will play an important role in helping nature and wildlife on our Island recover and flourish.
“This survey is the first part of the process and I hope as many residents as possible will get involved.”