In September 1999, the Isle of Wight Biodiversity Partnership, including representatives of conservation bodies, statutory agencies, local government, landowners and local groups, was set up. A steering group meets regularly to oversee the work. Partnership working enables us to have a much wider influence and make a greater, positive impact and also to consider how our achievements and challenges contribute towards the larger regional and national picture.

Steering Group Members

Country Landowners Association - is the membership organisation for owners of land, property and businesses in rural England and Wales.

Environment Agency - its principal aims are to protect and improve the environment, and to promote sustainable development. It plays a central role in delivering the environmental priorities of central government and the Welsh Assembly Government.

Forestry Commission - the government department responsible for the protection and expansion of Britain's forests and woodlands. Its flagship sites on the Island include Parkhurst Forest and Firestone Copse.

FWAG - the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) is the UK's leading independent and dedicated provider of environmental and conservation advice to farmers.

Hampshire and IW Wildlife Trust – is a leading conservation charity committed to improving conditions for all wildlife in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It owns and manages six reserves on the Island.

Island 2000 Trust – exists to explore and utilise every element of the Isle of Wight’s cultural and environmental distinctiveness in work that enhances the well-being of those who live, work and visit here.

IW AONB – the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers almost half of the Isle of Wight. The area is part of a national family of designated landscapes treasured for their special qualities. The AONB works to conserve and enhance the Island's finest landscapes for future generations.

Isle of Wight Council's Parks and Countryside Section – hosts and chairs the IW Biodiversity Partnership meetings. The team gives wildlife advice, carries out practical management and environmental education, and co-ordinates the Wight Walks booklets. It also manages many countryside sites and the Island’s Local Nature Reserves.

National Trust - is a charity completely independent of the Government. On the Island it looks after ten percent of the total land area including 17 miles of unspoilt coastline, many well-known beauty spots and areas of outstanding natural beauty, as well as several unique historic properties.

Natural England - is the Government’s advisor on the natural environment. They provide practical advice, grounded in science, on how best to safeguard England’s natural wealth for the benefit of everyone.

NFU - founded in 1908 is a non-statutory organisation. It champions British farming and provides professional representation and services to its Farmer and Grower members.

The wider partnership consists of the following members:

Bardon Vectis Bembridge and St Helens Harbour Association British Entomological and Natural History Society BTCV Butterfly Conservation CPRE Creasey Biles and King Diocese of Portsmouth (Church of England) English Heritage Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group Forest Enterprise Friends of the Earth Froglife Godshill Organics Hose, Rhodes and Dickson Island Conservation Volunteers Island Waste Services IW Centre for Coastal Environment IW Economic Partnership IW Estuaries Steering Committee IW Freshwater Angling Association IW Gardens Trust IW Horticultural Association IW Leisure Services and Activities IW Natural History and Archaeological Society IW Ornithological Group

IW Rural Community Council IW Society IW Sports Council IW Woodland Forum Kingston and Grist Land Heritage Trust Learning Outside the Classroom IOW Network Medina Valley Centre Ministry of Defence National Federation of Sea Anglers Ornithological Breaks Plantlife PTES Ramblers' Association Solent Forum Solent Protection Society Southern Water Undercliff Society Ventnor Botanic Garden Ventnor Regeneration West Wight Landscape Partnership Wight Conservation Wight Nature Fund Wight Salads Wight Squirrel Project Woodland Trust Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners

If you would like to find out more about joining the Biodiversity Partnership and supporting our work please contact countryside@iow.gov.uk.

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