Celebrating Island Nature
Nature week 2007 is now over. We'll be posting a full report soon, and are looking forward to Nature Week 2008.
2007 sees Gift to Nature's first ever Nature Week. Established to Celebrate the Island's fantastic environment and interesting array of wildlife, Nature Week will include a range of public events as well as various other activities and initiatives. To book on a public event you can call us on 01983 298098 or fill in the form at the bottom of the page. Some events are restricted by numbers. You can download a poster highlighting the weeks events here.
The free activities kick off on Monday with a bug hunt and some beach combing in East Cowes led by Ian Boyd, director of Island 2000 Trust. Everywhere you go on the Island there are exciting things to see, this area is just a stone’s throw from our offices but packed with life (not that I'm 
suggesting our offices aren't...). At this event we aim to give people a few tips on what they might see and how to find it, then set them off to discover what’s all around them.
On Tuesday there will be two opportunities to explore nature past and present at Fort Victoria, plus an opportunity to get creative at Merstone making murals inspired by the meadow site.
A ramble around Chillerton down with some beautiful views will occupy keen walkers on Wednesday, while a shorter stroll the following evening will take in the paths and lanes around Havenstreet. More creative opportunities and the 
chance to play in the sand for those joining in bug creation on the beach on Wednesday afternoon (set near low tide so you can take your time over your creations before the sea reclaims them).
The highlight of the week will be the launch of the Troll Trail project on Friday. This is Gift to Nature’s latest project, funded by donations from local people and visitors to the Island, topped up by contributions from the Environment Agency, Awards for All and Southern Water. The project stretches along the cycle track from Newport to Merstone and includes a range of wildlife conservation measures, local art, information and stylish sculptural seating. Activities on Friday will include a family cycle ride, picnic at Merstone, Pond Dipping and some Troll stories courtesy of local storyteller Sue Bailey.
| Mon 23 | 14.30 Beach combing & bug hunting, East Cowes |
| Tue 24 | 10.00 Nature past & present, walk and rock pooling, Fort Victoria* 14.00 Nature past & present (repeat of 10.00 session)* 14.00 Nature murals, get creative at Merstone Station* |
| Wed 25 | 09.30 Chillerton Down Walk, 15 miles starting at Merstone Station |
| Thur 26 | 14.30 Build a Bug, sculpture on the beach, Sandown 18.00 Evening ramble, approx. 4 miles starting at Havenstreet Station |
| Fri 27 | 11.00 Family cycle ride Shide-Merstone, approx. 3 miles 12.30 Family picnic at new picnic area, Merstone Station 14.00 Pond dipping, Birchmore Pond 15.30 Troll stroll - storytelling walk from Shide |
*Booking compulsory (recommended for all events). Children are very welcome to join in activities, but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Booking Form