What we do
Gift to Nature is a project on the Isle of Wight which gives you the chance to get a bit closer to nature. We use donations from individuals and businesses to improve the natural environment, looking after some of our most precious British wild animals and plants. What's more, we make our projects as accessible as possible, so you can enjoy the project sites and hopefully spot something interesting! Our projects generally include lots of interpretation of the natural environment, through provision of information and public art. Gift to Nature is managed by a team of part time staff and volunteers and is part of local charity Island 2000 Trust.
Gift to Nature Themes
Gift to Nature’s projects come under three themed headings. Island Climate Care are projects which aim to have a positive impact on green house gas levels in the atmosphere. Our wildlife projects seek to increase the biodiversity of specific habitats around the Island and Places for People projects are dominated by interpretation of the natural environment and providing cosy picnic areas and convenient pretty perching places.
Island Climate Care
We have established Island Climate Care to develop projects which improve the Island's natural environment while also helping reduce greenhouse gas emmissions and mitagating against the potential effects of climate change. It gives the chance to contribute to positive action on climate change.
Wildlife
The Island has a unique and diverse array of flora and fauna. As an Island we have been protected from a number of introduced species, which means animals like Red Squirrels and Water Voles flourish here. The huge array of habitat types contained in such a small space means the diversity of the Island's animal and plant life is high. Our wildlife programme delivers practical conservation solutions to help keep the Island's special wildlife thriving,
Places for People
The natural world provides an opportunity for us to recharge our batteries, learn new things and stimulate our senses in a way nothing else can quite touch. Our Places for People projects help introduce people to aspects of the natural environment they have not come across before, explain some of the mysteries of nature (though its also important to leave some mysteries!) and point out some of the best spots to go and get refreshed.
Projects
Our major projects include the Red Squirrel safari and Red Squirrel viewing hide at Parkhurst Forest, a wild flower meadow in Totland, wetland restoration and access improvements in Sandown and the Troll Trail project in Newport. Some of the money you donate goes into smaller scale projects, and less site specific projects. This includes projects providing nesting boxes for threatened species like the Spotted Flycatcher, supporting the Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition and researching threats to Bees on the Isle of Wight (a project we are working on with the Isle of Wight Festival). Often a relatively small investment can bring about a significant improvement for the local environment.
Staff and Volunteers
Gift to Nature is run by a small team of part-time staff and volunteers, and also draws on skills from other parts of Island 2000 as appropriate. Our staff section provides information on who's who at Gift to Nature.
Business Partnerships
Many businesses are keen to help protect the environment by supporting Gift to Nature as Business Partners, or collecting members. Our member businesses raise thousands of pounds each year for practical conservation on the Isle of Wight. For more information on our business partners and opportunities to work with us click here.