Islanders Join Forces To Plant 450 New Hedge Plants At Havenstreet Station

Families and people of all ages came together on Saturday 7 March at Isle of Wight Steam Railway to plant new wildlife hedging with the help of three local charities.

Members of the IW Steam Railway Calbourne Club teamed up with Wight Nature Fund and Aspire Community to plant 450 fruiting hedge plants.

The new hedge includes hazel for nuts, blackthorn for early pollen and sloes, elder for May and June pollen and berries, dog rose for summer pollen and autumn rose hips, and rowan for berries.

It has been planted next to where the Wight Nature Fund Autumn Hedgelaying competition took place.

Led by Thomas Cowley, the hedging links up young trees forming a new Heritage Orchard.

As the orchard and hedges grow, local wildlife — including pollinating insects, butterflies, birds, and red squirrels — will benefit from the enriched environment.

The area is particularly important for supporting insects that feed the rare Bechstein’s Bat population in the nearby Briddlesford Copses.

Visitors to the Steam Railway can also enjoy a more attractive space, with spring blossom and fruit appearing in the autumn months.