Service Description: The Countryside Section of the Isle of Wight Council is involved in a wide range of activities from giving advice about wildlife and trees to carrying out practical management and teaching children about nature. The Countryside Ranger manages nature reserves and country parks throughout the Island, including Fort Victoria Country Park. The Ranger works closely with community organisations and charities, especially town and parish councils, to promote good countryside and wildlife management on land they own. The work of the section is supported by a large and loyal band of volunteers, who willingly give their time throughout the year to conserve and enhance their local environment.
Also known as:- Afton Marsh, Batts Copse, Brading Down, Charles Wood, Conservation Sites, Country Parks, Countryside Rangers, Dodnor Creek, Fort Victoria BBQ bookings, Fort Victoria Country Park, Golden Hill Country Park, Golden Hill Fort, Nansen Hill, Nature Reserves, Rangers, Shide Chalk Pit/Shide Quarry, Volunteering, Wight Winter Walks leaflet, Wildlife Warriors
Answer: There are a range of different designations and protected sites across the Isle of Wight. The Island has around 40 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) notified for their national biological and/or geological interest. These cover some 11% of the Island’s land area. Further, more detailed, information is available from the Countryside Service's website (www.iwight.com/countryside). You can also view a range of map-based information about protected areas across the UK, including the Isle of Wight, at http://magic.defra.gov.uk/ - Related Link