Countryside news
with Tony Ridd
Help remove this threat
What to look out for...
Natural Enterprise and the
Environment Agency are
asking landowners whose
land is along the river edges
of the Medina and Eastern
Yar to get in touch.
They are running a
project to help remove the
very invasive Himalayan
Balsam from its banks.
Claire Hector of Natural
Enterprise says: “By working
together, we hope to
eradicate this threat from
the Isle of Wight.” Please
contact Claire on; 01983
201566 or claire.hector@
naturalenterprise.co.uk
Volunteers most welcome!
Riverfest - a celebration of
river and community life
The River Medina has a long
history, and once carried goods
into the New Port, which served
the Island’s capital – Carisbrooke!
Today the river and its banks are
important habitats for rare and
interesting wildlife and a place
for recreation and leisure. Isle
of Wight Riverfest celebrates the
heritage, community, businesses
and wildlife associated with this
historic river and has become the
biggest free community event in
Newport, attracting some 4,000
people. The highlight of the event
is a flotilla with vessels of all
shapes, ages and sizes.
The Footprint Trust uses the event
to promote wise use of water
and gives away free water saving
devices and guidance. The Event
takes place every May – the date
60
www.visitislandlife.com
is fixed according to the tides.
Please contact The Footprint
Trust to find out details of this
year’s event. Tel 01983 822282
or email info@footprint-trust.
co.uk. For details of businesses
sponsorship and promotion
please contact Ray Harrington-Vail
on 01983 82-22-82. or email ray@
footprint-trust.co.uk
Pine Beauty
Recognised by the bold
markings and red colouring on
its forewings. It is commonly
found flying during April and
May and often seen resting on
willow catkins. The caterpillar
feeds on conifer needles and has
been known to become quite
a pest, feeding on the young
shoots to the detriment of the
tree.
Rhododendron ponticum
First introduced in the 18th
Century and now naturalising
through seeding and suckering,
it gives a wonderful display of
purple flowers in May. It is often
seen as a weed, out-competing
most native plants and in turn
wildlife habitats. It is also feared
by foresters as it can support
the fungus that causes sudden
oak death.
Jay
The most colourful member
of the crow family, but quite
difficult to see as they are a shy
woodland bird. You will tend to
hear their scream rather than
see them. They are famous for
collecting acorns, many of which
they will hide by burying in the
ground. During the summer
they will happily eat eggs and
young chicks.
Crab Apple
Found in woodlands and hedges,
it tends to be quite short with
twisted and spreading branches.
The fruits are small, hard and
yellow, and sour when eaten raw,
but it can be used to make jelly/
jam and wine. When dried, the
wood is excellent for carving and
turning. The flowers are white
and sweet smelling.