Country life
Hedgelaying Competition 2018
This year ’ s ‘ IW Hedgelaying Competition ’ will be at Coombe Farm , Brighstone , by kind permission of Mr . and Mrs . James Dawes on Sat 24th Feb , 10am - 4pm . Competitors will be battling it out in three categories - Open , Novice and Team - judged by Alan Ashby and Peter Tunks , both former Supreme National Champions , and Richard Grogan , previous competitor and IW AONB Lead Officer . This gives you the excuse to venture out in the midst of winter , and offers a great opportunity for spectators to witness a country craft at first hand , getting up close and speaking with the competitors , who are only too pleased to pass on their knowledge . There will also be a display of static engines and vehicles from Vectis Vintage Tractors and Engines Club , and Ralph Griffins hand tools . Warm clothing and stout boots are the order of the day , as it can get very cold and heavy underfoot . Sustenance is on hand in the marquee with hot drinks and food being available courtesy of the ‘ Calbourne Ladies ’. For more information see www . iwhg . org
Gift to Nature
In 2018 Gift to Nature is undergoing some exciting development . As a part of that we would love to hear what you have to say about us . Hit up our short online survey and give us your thoughts now ! Visit the website at www . gifttonature . org . uk .
The Yar River Trail
Down to the Coast partners and volunteers are celebrating the completion of works to improve the Yar River Trail between Brading ’ s historic Old Quay Wall and the 18th century Bembridge Windmill . The Trail is one of the Island ’ s most popular walking routes and this improved two-mile section offers unrivalled opportunities for walkers to enjoy the wide open expanse and rich wildlife of Brading Marshes and the atmospheric woodlands of Centurions Copse . The RSPB-owned Marshes are an internationally important wetland habitat and feeding ground for over-wintering wildfowl and waders . Now , thanks to extensive resurfacing works that have required several hundred tonnes of Island chalk and which were completed over the past two autumns , this wonderful landscape can be enjoyed in all weathers . The success of this project is largely due to the positive partnership working , between local authorities , landowners , local contractors and volunteers . In particular , IW Ramblers and Bembridge Green Town volunteers invested more than 300 hours of their time , helping to clear vegetation which in parts had reduced the width of the Trail down to only a couple of feet . Thank you all ! www . downtothecoast . co . uk
Living with Mammals survey
Since 2003 , the public has recorded observations of mammals and their tell-tale signs as part of a unique survey of the built environment . Records from gardens and green spaces such as cemeteries and allotments have helped to build a picture of how towns and cities can support wildlife . This year , the survey will start on 26 March and runs through April , May and June . Volunteers need to spend some time observing a chosen site each week , for eight or more weeks of the survey period . www . ptes . org www . visitilife . com 87