Rare plants rescued from their declining, fragile wetland habitat were returned to Munsley Bog last week.

Island 2000 have been working in partnership with the Environment Agengy and local landowners through the Gift to Nature scheme to restore some of the precious bog habitat and create a space for the new plants.

Cross-leaved heath and bog myrtle have been expertly propagated by the IW College Horticultural department and sensitively re-introduced to the bog in cleared areas where woody scrub was beginning to invade and dry out the bog. To read the full story click here.

Find out more about the Island's wetland habitats here.

Join Plantlife's Nationwide Pond Survey this summer to help stop the spread of invasive plants.

Plantlife are looking for help identifying the locations of non-native pond plants. Plants such as Parrot's Feather are invasive and spread quickly, smothering wildflowers and our native aquatic wildlife.

Visit the Plantlife website here to find out how you can help.

JUNE

Friday 5 Family Nature Walk 9pm - 8pm
An evening event for families to explore the wildlife of Parkhurst Forest. Games and children’s activities included. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Wear wellies or stout footwear. No dogs please. Booking required. Leader Kathy Grogan Tel 529199 Meet Parkhurst Forest car park off Forest Road GR 480 900 Cost Donations welcome

Sunday 7 Brading Marshes Wildlife Walk 11am
See May 10 for details of meeting and cost. Leader RSPB Tel 873681

Sunday 7 Wild Flowers at Osborne 2pm
A wander through the meadows, rides and walks taking in the Estate’s flora and fauna. Booking advised. Leader English Heritage Tel 200022 Meet Osborne reception Cost See April 19 for details

Monday 8 A Botanical Amble on Mottistone Down 2pm – 4pm
Join the warden on Mottistone Down and learn to identify chalk grassland flowers and grasses. Moderate slopes with a short, steep ascent. Leader National Trust Tel 741020 Meet Jubilee car park GR 420 846 Cost £2.50 incl. NT members

Thursday 11 Brighstone Forest Safari 10:30am - 1pm
A walk to look at the wildlife and management of this prominent wildlife haven. Part of the West Wight Landscape Partnership initiative. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Wear wellies or stout footwear. No dogs please. Booking required. Leader Richard Grogan Tel 529199 Meet Jubilee car park, Mottistone/Brighstone GR 420 845 Cost Donations welcome

Saturday 13 Wight Lore: The Needles Walk 10:30am
Climb to the Island's western most point and hear colourful tales of The Needles. Explore the Island's military past and see its long-abandoned rocket-testing site/exhibition. A taxing, but spectacular 5.5 mile walk. Bring a picnic. Duration 4/5hrs. Leader Adrian Searle Tel 615636 Meet Totland War Memorial, The Broadway Cost Optional donation to Gift to Nature.

Saturday 13 Downs and Woodland Walk 5pm
A walk up over the downs to look at views, plus red squirrel and other wildlife habitats. Some stiles and hills. Booking essential. Leader Helen Butler, Mr & Mrs Gurney-Champion Tel 611003 Meet Standen House, Blackwater Road GR 506 872 Cost £2 to the Red Squirrel Trust.

Sunday 14 Discover St. Lawrence 10am – 12noon
Walk through Charles Wood, looking at local flora, down to Binnel Bay to see landscape features such as St. Catherine's lighthouse and Spindler's Folly. Then coastal walk to Woody Bay pointing out maritime flora, Glanville fritillaries and historical features. Leader Dave Trevan Tel 853927 Meet Hejira, Hunts Rd St Lawrence Cost Donation to local projects

Sunday 14 Wildzone: Make a Mud Monster 11am-1pm
See Wildzone box for details Leader National Trust Tel 741020

Saturday 20 Brading Marshes Wildlife Walk 11am
See May 10 for details of meeting and cost. Leader RSPB Tel 873681

Saturday 20 Discovery Workshop: Newtown Wildflowers and Grasses 1pm - 3:30pm
Learn the basics of wildflower and grasses identification and hear the stories behind the plants on a wander through fields that usually have limited access. Equipment provided. Bring your own field guide if you wish. Suitable for adults, students and older children. Pre-paid booking essential. Leader National Trust Tel 741020 Meet Advised on booking Cost £5 per person incl. equipment.

Wednesday 24 A Lot of Rubbish To be advised on booking
An unusual walk around the entire Lynnbottom site to look at what happens to some of the Island’s waste. Booking essential. Sturdy shoes required. Leader Lynn Clarke Tel 821234 Meet to be advised on booking Cost Donation to Gift to Nature

Sunday 28 Brading Marshes Wildlife Walk 11am
See May 10 for details of meeting and cost. Leader RSPB Tel 873681

Last year the charity Butterfly Conservation ran a public survey for the migrant Hummingbird Hawkmoth and Painted Lady butterfly.

Unfortunately, 2008 was a poor year for the immigration of these and other migratory species. Nevertheless there was an impressive 1000 sightings nationwide click here for more details.

Butterfly Conservation are continuing the survey throughout 2009 and the early signs are that it will be a much better year. Painted Ladies have already been reported across southern England.

So please do record your sightings and send them to butterfly conservation here.

The organisers are pleased to announce that Chris Packham has joined the judging panel for 2009 IWPOY and ‘Go Wild on Wight’ competitions.

We are very excited to have Chris onboard and know that his knowledge of local natural history and biodiversity and his own skills as a photographer will be a great asset.

Click here to read the full story...

So get snapping and visit www.iwpoy.org to register and submit your ‘It’s a Very Small World - Go Wild on Wight’ images online.