HAMPSHIRE and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has secured one hundred acres of farmland in the East Wight and plans to transform it into a wildlife haven.
Little Duxmore, off the Downs Road and Rowlands Lane, has been principally an arable farm, producing crops like maize and had been on the property market.
Now under the control of the trust, it will be transformed over the coming months and years, with the natural restoration of vital habitat for struggling farmland birds such as yellowhammer, skylark and even nightingale and cirl bunting.
Skylark
It marks the start of the trust’s rewilding journey and is being hailed as a 'significant step' towards its vision for a 'Wilder Wight.'
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust also hopes to introduce beavers and other species.
Yellowhammer
Debbie Tann, chief executive at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: “We are very excited to get the keys to Little Duxmore Farm. This blank canvas, which has been intensively farmed over the years, will soon be an amazing, dynamic and buzzing place - brimming with colour and life.
"We can’t wait to see what nature will bring back, with us here to provide a helping hand."
“We are also really looking forward to welcoming local people here and offering the chance to experience, connect with and learn about nature through our education work and other opportunities .
“The Island really is at the vanguard of our vision for a much wilder future and today we are one step closer to achieving that aim.”
It is hope the project will help offset some of the impact that housebuilding has in the south.
Read more: Fears nitrates in The Solent could impact Isle of Wight homebuilding
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