Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2015 | Page 55

COUNTRY LIFE Act would call for local and national ‘ecological networks’ to be mapped out and created, to reconnect wildlife and habitats in real living landscapes. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is already demonstrating the effect that nature can have on our wellbeing. At Winnall Moors in Winchester, the Trust has been working with local people and anglers to restore habitats in and along the River Itchen. This work has seen a remarkable recovery of populations of wildlife and wild fish stocks in this urban wildlife reserve and has restored natural flood processes that provide protection for the City. On the Isle of Wight, the Trust has been running a Woodland eco-therapy project to support adults with mental health issues. Participation has been life changing for the attendees, demonstrating huge benefits of connecting with nature. The Trust also delivers Forest School programmes, across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, that show how children can learn more effectively and build their confidence in the outdoors, with nature. We have joined forces with RSPB to call for a Nature and Wellbeing Act; a new law that would put nature at the heart of how decisions are made about health, housing and other development, education, economic growth, flood resilience and social cohesion. In order for this to happen we need public support. We are asking everyone to call on their local MPs to press for the Act to be included in their party manifesto, by signing our e-action on the Wildlife Trust webpage at www.wildlifetrusts.org.uk To find out more about your local recommended Marine Conservation Zone, and sign up to be a Friend, visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/MCZfriends. Photo: Tompot with velvet swimmer in crevice by Paul Naylor Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, working for a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Island. Phone: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.hiwwt.org.uk Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Beechcroft House, Vicarage Lane, Curdridge, Hampshire, SO32 2DP Photo: Act for nature by Tom Marshall Diary Dates Friday, February 20: Red Squirrel Safari, Bouldnor Forest 10am - 12noon Red squirrels are very active during February, engaging in courtship chases and establishing territories. Join Wildlife Trust staff on a walk around Bouldnor Forest to find out more about these stars of the Island's woodlands. Contact Kathy Grogan or Ric Temple on 01983 760018 or e-mail [email protected]. Meet at the loading bay in Bouldnor Forest (Map ref. SZ 378 896). Come through the barrier from the road, up the forest track and bear right. Suggested donation £3 per person. Sorry, no dogs. For details of all our events, check out www.hiwwt.org.uk Join us toda