Gift to Nature is now entering its fifth year. The scheme is concerned with protecting the Island’s wildlife and making the most of its beautiful countryside. The first project undertaken was the construction of a habitat for Ventnor’s wall lizards.  A 3.5m dry stone wall was constructed in the Botanic Gardens, which has all the attributes the lizards love – it is sunny, south-facing and sheltered.  The cracks and crevices of the wall provide an ideal home for these little creatures and the colony has become well-established.

Next on the list came the Red Squirrel viewing hide and safari in Parkhurst Forest.  Developed in conjunction with the Forestry Commission the hide is free of charge and wheelchair accessible.  At the same time as constructing the hide from local oak and Douglas fir a ‘squirrel safari’ woodland trail was created and includes chainsaw carvings and clues to help visitors catch a glimpse of the red squirrels which live in the Forest and can be very shy.

Attention then focused on the Wetland Walk in Sandown.  This varied landscape gives the opportunity to view kingfishers and water voles in their natural habitat.  A route card is available for a small donation to Gift to Nature and to help you enjoy the walk (or recover from it) there is a nearby picnic area.  Situated on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to Sandown the Wetland Walk is the perfect way to enjoy the Island’s countryside.

Our most recent project is the Totland meadow.  Bordered to the south and east by public footpaths, the meadow is a haven for common blue and marbled white butterflies.  It also provides a home for green-winged orchids, as well as the corky-fruited dropwort.  As part of the project the adjoining footpaths have been improved and some scrub cleared from the meadow.  New gateways have been designed by a local artist and are to be installed between the footpaths and the field.  A plan for the future management has been drawn up to really benefit all the wonderful species that the meadow is home to.

As always, any fundraising events are warmly welcomed, along with your ideas. So far, Wightlink's passengers have raised a total of £2,790.

Here’s to another five years.