Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust announces the winners of its Wilder Awards 2025, shining a spotlight on individuals, groups, schools, and organisations who are creating a wilder future.
Three Island organisations and projects were among those recognised for their outstanding contributions to nature and community action.
The Garlic Farm in Newchurch, Warren Farm in Totland, and Southern Co-op’s support to a Wilder Isle of Wight Community Project all received awards or commendations.
Their achievements were celebrated, alongside other inspiring winners from across Hampshire, at the Trust’s Wilder Conference, held at The Point Theatre in Eastleigh on Thursday 23rd October.
The event brought together leading voices in conservation, farming, and community action to showcase the growing movement for a wilder future. The ceremony was hosted by wildlife television presenter and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust President Megan McCubbin.
The Garlic Farm
The Food and Farming with Nature Award went to The Garlic Farm in Newchurch, a family-run business that has championed sustainable agriculture and pioneered an innovative, nature-based water system.
The farm has created a wastewater purification system (WET system) that treats wastewater generated by its restaurant, farm shop, and holiday accommodation. Transforming a former field, they have developed a natural, soil-based series of shallow pools, each planted with a wide variety of wetland species including rushes, reeds, and plants.
As the water moves through the pools, it is naturally filtered and purified before collecting in a reservoir of clean water. This water is then reused to irrigate garlic crops grown nearby, closing the loop between people, food production, and the natural environment. In doing so, the farm has not only created an innovative water system but also established a thriving wetland habitat.
Along the banks of each pool, the farm has planted willow, poplar, nut, and fruit trees, which thrive on the abundance of water and provide additional benefits such as coppiced willow for basketry and seasonal harvests of nuts and fruit.
Within a few years, the system will be a beautiful thriving habitat attracting a diverse range of wildlife – already, frogs and toads are using the pools, dragonflies and damselflies are abundant, and a hobby has been seen feeding over the wetlands.
Through guided tours and on-site interpretation, The Garlic Farm shares its innovative WET system with visitors, inspiring others to adopt more sustainable approaches to farming and water management. By turning wastewater into a valuable resource – and educating people about how this can be done – they are revolutionising a system that benefits both people and wildlife.
The Garlic Farm has achieved B Corp certification and they support the Living Wage Foundation and work with partner farms and local suppliers, showing how a resilient, community-rooted business can bring joy to visitors and customers while driving positive environmental change.
Warren Farm in Totland
Warren Farm in Totland received a commendation for its innovative approach to sustainable farming and habitat restoration.
Run by James Osman and Rebecca Hesketh, Warren Farm is a small livestock farm which is mainly situated around Alum Bay and Totland. The farm extends to around 300 acres, much of which is grassland which is grazed sensitively with cattle and sheep to help preserve the natural environment.
Warren Farm is a diversified livestock business ready to meet the challenges of Island agriculture. After decades as a dairy farm, Warren Farm now combines a small ‘micro dairy’ herd of Jersey cows, a herd of Sussex beef cattle, in addition to Herdwick & Hebridean sheep producing milk and farmed products for direct sale while embracing natural farming practices.
As tenants of the National Trust, they work closely to restore and improve habitats and biodiversity on the farm and adjoining land. Over the past few years, they have eliminated the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides and have been implementing new grazing techniques to help improve soils. The Trust is very proud to have Warren Farm as a conservation grazier on some of its most fragile nature reserves, including Ningwood Common Nature Reserve.
James and Rebecca have also been instrumental in the restoration of Headon Warren, a nearby heathland Site of Special Scientific Interest and part of the Isle of Wight National Landscape. Reintroducing cattle and sheep grazing has helped create a mosaic of habitats, manage scrub encroachment, and support the heathland’s unique wildlife. Using innovative ‘no-fence’ virtual grazing technology, combined with QR-coded maps for public engagement, the project balances wildlife conservation with recreational access for walkers and visitors.
The couple are active on social media, sharing updates and videos from the farm with over 4,000 followers, helping local communities connect with the project. Funded by Natural England, the National Trust, and the Isle of Wight National Landscape, the initiative also includes plans for guided farm walks, giving people the chance to explore the farm and learn firsthand about the ongoing conservation work.
Wilder Isle of Wight Community Project
Southern Co-op, Portsmouth received the Wilder Business Award for its long-standing commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and community engagement.
Southern Co-op is a key supporter of the Trust’s Wilder Isle of Wight Community Project, which helps local people learn new ways to connect with nature and take action for wildlife where they live on the Island. This funding ensures that more people can gain the skills, confidence, and support to create greener, healthier neighbourhoods.
Southern Co-op’s backing of the Trust’s work goes beyond funding: the company has been a public advocate of the Trust’s goals for over a decade, sharing stories and demonstrating how businesses can play a leading role in building a greener future.
McCubbin: Some absolute gems of humanity
Megan McCubbin, President of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said,
“I love the people in this area that are making a difference. There are some absolute gems of humanity that can be found across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
“People who go above and beyond to protect what we collectively love, and they do so with such vigour and passion, and inspire so many others. We are so lucky to be surrounded by such an active community.
“The people that volunteer their time, knowledge and most importantly their enthusiasm: this value cannot be underestimated.”
Wilder Conference and Awards
The winners were announced at the Wilder Conference and Awards which transformed The Point Theatre in Eastleigh into a vibrant hub of ideas and inspiration.
Delegates heard from leading voices in conservation, farming, and community action, including: Craig Bennett, CEO of The Wildlife Trusts; Liz Bonnin, President of The Wildlife Trusts; Julia Davies, impact investor; and Siôn McGeever, CEO of the South Downs National Park. Two lively panel discussions explored both global and local approaches to environmental action, sparking debate and collaboration among attendees.
This year also marked a milestone with the launch of the Trust’s refreshed Wilder 2030 strategy, building on the bold ambitions set out in the original version of the strategy in 2020. The updated strategy focuses on accelerating nature recovery, empowering communities, and inspiring a wilder future.
For more information about the Wilder Conference and Awards 2025 visit the website.
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