£15,000 Funding Boost For Proposed Sandown Biosphere Centre
Plans for a proposed environmental education and conservation centre in Sandown have taken a step forward after securing £15,000 in funding.
The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary has been awarded the money by the Solent Growth Partnership to commission a detailed business plan for the proposed International Biosphere Centre.
The vision is for a 140-hectare site bringing together environmental research, habitat restoration, education and sustainable tourism.
Early proposals include a marine laboratory, field study accommodation, teaching facilities, tourist lodges and a centre dedicated to native species and habitat restoration.
The funding will be used to assess the project's costs, potential income, demand and long-term viability, helping identify opportunities for further investment.
The Isle of Wight Council has supported the project, which could involve council-owned land behind the sanctuary and neighbouring land managed by the RSPB.
However, any development would depend on further studies, approvals and funding.
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary chief executive Lawrence Bates said the centre could create opportunities for students, researchers and visitors while helping protect the Island's natural environment.
Comments