Plants that Belong
What?
Choosing plants that fit the Isle of Wight’s landscapes and climate brings both beauty and biodiversity benefits. Native species are vital for many insects, birds and mammals, but a thoughtful mix of native and non-invasive ornamental plants can provide colour, nectar, fruit and shelter across the seasons. The key is balance — supporting wildlife while celebrating each site’s unique character.
Where?
Everywhere: from gardens and schools to farms, business sites and public green spaces. Each part of the Island offers different growing conditions and opportunities:
Chalk grassland slopes: scabious, knapweed, oxeye daisy, bird’s-foot trefoil.
Coastal gardens: sea thrift, valerian, sea campion, and other salt-tolerant species.
Clay lowlands and damp sites: meadowsweet, purple loosestrife, alder, and sedges.
Urban and village plots: flowering shrubs, climbers, herbs and window boxes that extend feeding opportunities for pollinators.
How?
Match plants to soils and aspect. Observe where water gathers, which slopes are sunny or windy, and choose accordingly.
Avoid invasive species. Check the Non-native Species Secretariat (NNSS) list before buying or sharing plants.
Layer your planting. Combine trees, shrubs and ground flora to create vertical structure for birds, insects and mammals.
Choose long-season flowering. Mix early and late bloomers so nectar and pollen are available from spring to autumn.
Add trees and hedges.
Trees: disease-resistant elms, juniper, buckthorn, alder buckthorn, black poplar, small-leaved lime — all excellent for island wildlife.
Hedges: hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, field maple, spindle, and dogwood. Fill gaps, allow bases to thicken, and leave sections uncut each year.
Delay hedge trimming until late winter to preserve berries and seeds.
Encourage hedge-laying where appropriate to rejuvenate structure and connectivity.
Mix in herbs, fruit and flowering vegetables. Edible landscapes attract pollinators and people alike.
When?
Planting is best done in autumn or early spring, when soil is moist and roots can establish. Avoid major trimming or hedge work between March and September when birds are nesting.
Why?
Locally tailored planting strengthens the Island’s landscape character while supporting pollinators, birds, and soil health. It also improves resilience — plants suited to Isle of Wight conditions need less watering and maintenance. Planting for place helps connect individual gardens and sites into a living island-wide network of biodiversity.
Actions for Isle of Wight Species
Butterflies such as common blue and meadow brown thrive on bird’s-foot trefoil and knapweed.
Bees feed on sea thrift, scabious, and herbs in gardens and verges.
Blackbirds and thrushes rely on hedgerow berries in winter.
Red squirrels use native trees like hazel and small-leaved lime for food and nesting.
Swifts and bats benefit indirectly when insect numbers increase through diverse planting.
Resources