This summer we are offering free events on many of our sites across the Island. They are open to anyone, whatever your age. To book your free place, email: [email protected].
The meadows at Pig Leg Lane have sat within the Island’s agricultural landscape for over 4000 years and the archaeological evidence of its long history still survives today.
Dr Ruth Waller will be giving a talk explain the archaeological clues left behind by our ancestors who farmed the land since the Bronze Age. From the evidence for the lives of our prehistoric ancestors to the landscape changes brought about by the coming of the railways and Victorian industry, the Pig Leg Lane site tells the story of how people from the past have used the land around Monktonmead Brook if you know how to recognise the clues left behind on the ground. Come along and learn the human history of this wonderful piece of our natural heritage.
Wednesday 8th March at 7pm, All Saints Hall, Ryde
FREE EVENT but donations to Gift To Nature most welcome.
Please call the Gift To Nature events line 01983 201565 to book, or email events@https://www.gifttonature.org.uk
There is no charge, but donations can be made to Gift To Nature.
After our very evening enjoyable knees-up last year we’re repeating it with an informal and fun evening open to all at the Quay Arts.
The hedgelaying competition is free because of the generous support of Landscape Therapy and many other sponsors – but we can always do more. This year we’re raising funds for Gift to Nature and hedgelaying on the Isle of Wight – we’ll be putting on a hedgelaying training event this autumn to encourage some new faces into the 2018 competition. Read more
Our annual Sandman Snowman event will take place 19th February at 11am on Small Hope Beach Shanklin.
Do you want to build a sandman?
You bring your wellies and spades. We bring carrots and coal! Free event but donations to Gift To Nature are very welcome. Small Hope Beach Shanklin, next to the sailing club. Read more
Last Autumn we mentioned our plans to apply for Heritage Lottery Fund monies to ‘rediscover’ the cement kilns at Dodnor. Affectionately known as ‘the Mummies Caves’ by local children who played there many years ago, the structures have now become overgrown and the site is no longer open to the public for strong safety reasons, and because of the wildlife it now supports.
We have had a lot of positive response, and so we are holding a walk and talk around the site on Saturday 14th January. Read more
A new arts trail is being created at Pan Country Park; the ‘Pollen Trail’ is funded by cash made available as part of the planning conditions for the new houses built at Pan/Bluebell Meadows near Newport. Pan Country Park is managed by Gift to Nature on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council.
Join us at Small Hope Beach Shanklin on 19 February 2017 at 11am. We bring carrots, coal, and hot chocolate, you bring buckets, spades and warm clothes. Suggested donation £2, towards Gift To Nature
Will happen whatever the weather. No need to book!
A Butterfly Walk will take place on 23rd June 2016 taking in three of Gift To Nature’s Newport wildlife reserves as part of celebrations taking place nationwide for National Insect Week which runs from 20-26 June 2016.
The event starts at 10.30 from Shide Meadows Centre which can be accessed by car from the path alongside National Tyres at Shide, and by foot from the Newport to Shide cycletrack off Connies Way. Its free, and participants will be given a stack of goodies to help them appreciate the insect life in their gardens. The walk takes in Pan Mill Meadows, Pan Country Park and Shide Chalk Pit.
Coordinated by the Royal Entomological Society, National Insect Week is a biennial initiative to promote awareness of the importance of insects in the UK and around the world. It is supported by more than 60 national partner organisations concerned about natural history, biodiversity and entomology, the study of insects.
An interactive website www.nationalinsectweek.co.uk gives visitors all the information they need to get involved and a place to learn more about the little things that run the world.
Royal Entomological Society Director of Outreach and Development, Luke Tilley said: “Insects may be small, but they have a huge impact on the natural world. There are a wide range of activities offered during National Insect Week by local and national organisations which will enable children and adults alike to explore the wonderful world of insects for themselves.”
There is no need to book, but if people need more information they can contact Carol Flux on (01983) 296244.
Walk along part of the stream and surrounding countryside and discuss the challenges it faces, how local organisations are tackling these and how you can help.
Date: 13/5/2016 Start Time: 10:30 AM
Start location: Public car park, St Martin’s Road, Wroxall Grid ref: 551 798
Bus:3, Wroxall Church Duration: 3.50 hours, 6.00 miles
Cost: Suggested donation of £2 to Gift to Nature Booking not essential – 01983 201565
Walk Leader: Carol Flux