Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2009 | Page 63

COUNTRYSIDE, WILDLIFE & FARMING Evening Primrose Introduced from North America in the 17th Century, it is a popular cottage garden plant, and is increasingly being grown for it’s oil, which is a valuable ingredient for health food and medical products. The roots and young leaves are edible, raw or cooked. The flowers are at their best at night, when they snap open suddenly in the evening. Hummingbird Hawk Moth The moth is named after its likeness to a hummingbird, with its rapid hovering motion. as it feeds on the nectar of flowers. They are active in the day time, preferring bright sunlight and are attracted to flowers with a good supply of nectar, such as petunias, honeysuckle, buddleia and orchids. They have a great memory and can return to the same flower bed at the same time every day. life Clouded Yellow The Clouded Yellow can be found in most open habitats in the countryside, coastal cliffs, downland even fields, just as long as there’s food for the caterpillars – clover, Lucerne and Common Bird’-foot-trefoil. Although some butterflies over winter in our country the majority are immigrants from Europe. JIGSAW – Grant for new woodlands The Forestry Commission are inviting applications, for a ‘JIGSAW’ style, new native woodland planting grant, in target areas on the island. If successful land owners can receive an additional £2000.00 per hectare on top of the current English Woodland Grant Scheme (eWGS) payments. The aim of this targeted grant is to reverse the trend of ancient and native woodland defragmentation on the Isle of Wight, by expanding existing woodlands and linking them up with other woodlands. Tony Ridd – Landscape Therapy 740067 or Michael Pittock – Forestry Commission 07795666420 Wight Summer Walks and events… Look out for this special edition of Wight Summer Walks. As well as featuring coast and countryside walks and events, this issue highlights the life and work of Charles Darwin, his links to the Island and celebrates the special biodiversity of the Isle of Wight. The walks leaflet is put together by the IW Council’s parks and countryside section with regular contributions from local organisations and volunteers. Pick up your free copy from Island public libraries, tourist information and help centres or download it at www.iwight.com/ walks. The Island's most loved magazine Fun for all the family at the Fort Victoria Foray The annual ‘Fort Victoria Foray’ organised by the Isle of Wight Council’s Countryside Section will take place, Thursday 30 July. The Foray is aimed at encouraging families and children of all ages to explore the Island's fantastic coast and countryside. There will be organised events running throughout the day with ‘Rock pool Rambles’, Storytelling and Fossil hunting together with displays and activities such as the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s ‘Plaice Race’ making a big splash. The Foray is open from 10.30am to 4.30pm and entry is free. For more information contact the Isle of Wight Council's Parks and Countryside section on (01983) 823893. www.iwight.com/ countryside 63