The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust have been given a chance to purchase Knighton Down (kay-knighton Down as it’s pronounced on the Island).
The current owner has offered the Trust first-refusal as they’re keen to protect it and further enhance its wildlife potential – something that clearly ties in well with the Trust’s aims.
The Trust is particularly keen on the Knighton Down as it sits close to Eaglehead & Bloodstone Copse Wildlife Reserve and Arreton Down Wildlife Reserve, or as they put it, it will “improving connectivity between existing sites of high biodiversity value to allow wildlife to spread.”
What’s living there?
The Trust say that there’s a wealth of wildlife there, including, to our eyes, some with fantastical names including – the grizzled skipper and chalkhill blue butterflies, skylarks, autumn gentian, squinancywort and red squirrels.
To buy the land, they need to raise money. The target is £85,000, of which they’ve raised £25,000 already.
If you want to help, give them a buzz on 01489 447700, or you can donate online.
Image of Chalkhill Blue: © Used with the kind permission of Micky Pape
Image of Grizzled Skipper: © Used with the kind permission of Alex Cruickshank
