Volunteers Sought To Help Protect Isle Of Wight Wildlife This Summer

(c) Theo Vickers

Islanders are being encouraged to roll up their sleeves and get involved in a range of conservation projects this summer as Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust looks for volunteers.

The Trust is offering a variety of opportunities across the Isle of Wight, from restoring internationally important seagrass meadows and removing invasive plants to carrying out wildlife surveys and helping manage nature reserves.

One of the key projects focuses on tackling Himalayan Balsam, a fast-spreading non-native plant that threatens native wildlife along the Eastern Yar.

Volunteers will work at sites including Alverstone Mead on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the summer, helping remove the plant before it sets seed.

The Trust is also looking for volunteers to join its reserve work parties, carrying out practical conservation tasks such as habitat management, fencing, scrub clearance and boardwalk construction at nature reserves across the Island.

Marine conservation is another major focus, with volunteers needed throughout July to help collect seagrass seed from meadows off Seaview.

The seed will be used to restore seagrass beds across the Solent, providing vital habitat for marine life including cuttlefish and thornback rays.

During August and September, volunteers are also being sought to carry out coastal surveys, recording recreational activity to help protect sensitive seagrass habitats, while others can sign up as Marine Champions, supporting citizen science projects, community events and educational activities.

Bea Beggs, Senior Nature Recovery Manager at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said:

"Volunteers are at the heart of our conservation work.

"Whether you're collecting seagrass seed, helping us better understand how our coast is used, or tackling invasive plants along the Eastern Yar, every contribution helps wildlife and wild places.

"Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, meet new people and make a real difference for nature on the Isle of Wight."

No previous experience is needed for most roles, with full training provided.

Volunteers will have the chance to develop new skills while helping protect some of the Island's most important habitats and wildlife.

For more information about volunteering opportunities, visit www.hiwwt.org.uk/volunteer