Go Wild on the Downs
Wednesday 1 June, Viewpoint Car Park, Brading Down

Come and enjoy a fascinating day out during the spring half-term holiday on the Island’s newest Local Nature Reserve at Brading Down.

Set in the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Brading Down is free for all to use, has spectacular panoramic views, and is one of the Island’s most popular sites for recreation, picnicking and wildlife watching.

The event runs from 10.30 am until 4pm, with great wildlife activities throughout the day including: art activities, wildflower and butterfly walks, bug hunts, geocaching and loads more.

This event is the Island’s third BioBlitz, you can help us record all the animals, bugs and plants you see on the day. Bring a camera and enter Brading Town Council’s photo competition!

Parking is free on Brading Down and a free hourly shuttle minibus will run from Brading Station to the viewpoint car park.

Contact:
AONB Partnership
T:01983 823855
email: aonb@iow.gov.uk

Get involved with hands-on workshops with local beekeeper Terry Willis at Brading Roman Villa. Learn more about these fascinating insects and their fundamental role in the Island's ecosystems.

Saturday 8th January THE INDUSTRIOUS HONEY BEE 10am-1pm

Saturday 22nd January WHAT THE OBSERVATION HIVE HAS TAUGHT ME 10am-1pm

For more details and to book visit http://www.bradingromanvilla.org.uk/news.php

Discover fossils, prehistoric finds and other ancient artefacts from the Isle of Wight, Solent area and beyond at this special event on Saturday 16th October at Dinosaur Isle, Sandown.

The event runs from 10am - 4pm with loads of great activities including face-painting, fossilsorting and model making and lots of opportunities to chat to palaeontologists, archaeologists, natural historians and local collectors - so why not bring along your fossils and archaeological finds for identification.

Click here to find out more

Further to Ventnor's growing reputation as a Butterfly town, the Isle of Wight Branch of the National Butterfly Conservation Charity is organising two special concerts in support of the Island's wonderful butterflies. So why not come along and show your support!

The concerts are being co-ordinated by Vaguely Sunny Promotions and will be held at St Catherines Church, Church Street, Ventnor at 7.30pm on both Friday 17 September and Saturday 18 September and feature an exciting mix of musicians and singer/songwriters.

Tickets are £5 and can be booked on 01983 730930.

Click here read the full story and to find out more.

Come and celebrate the beauty and biodiversity of one of the Island's rarest habitats at the Isle of Wight Heathlands Week 6th - 12th September.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust will be running several special events over the course of next week at sites across the Island giving you the chance to explore and find out more about some of our hidden heathland treasures.

Activities as follows:

Tuesday 7 Heathlands week: Botany and battery at Bouldnor Forest 10am - 12.30pm We'll explore Bouldnor Forest looking at the Flora, Fauna and archaeology of this historic part of the Island's northwest coast. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Wear old clothes, wellies and waterproofs. No dogs please. Leader Richard Grogan, Wildlife Trust Tel 533180 Meet Follow to forest parking site near track from main road to SOL training site GR 378 896 Cost Donations welcomed.

Wednesday 8 Heathlands week: Heathland
at St George’s Down 10am - 12.30pm A walk along the Bembridge Trail to look at heathland restoration at St George’s Down. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Wear wellies or stout footwear. No dogs please. Booking essential Leader Richard Grogan, Wildlife Trust Tel 533180 Meet Newport Golf Club GR 511 872 Cost Donations welcomed.

Thursday 9 Heathlands week: Heathland Haven 10.30am - 1pm A walk through the countryside at Cranmore including the Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve at Ningwood Common to look at wildlife and heathland restoration. Wellies advisable. Five stiles to negotiate Leader Chris Archbold Tel 529199 Meet Ningwood Recycling Centre GR 401 892 Cost Donations welcomed.

Sunday 12 Heathlands week: Isle of Wight heathlands day 11am - 3pm A celebration of the Isle of Wight heathlands, with walks and activities to show off the natural and cultural heritage of these wonderful wildlife havens. 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 Wildlife Trust. Tel 533180 Meet Jubilee car park, Mottistone/ Brighstone GR 420 845 Cost Donations welcomed.