Nature Recovery Starts on Our Doorsteps

Whether you manage a garden, school ground, business yard or balcony, every action — planting, watering, leaving wild corners — adds up.
The ideas below show how to bring the Isle of Wight’s rich habitats back into everyday spaces and help deliver the Island’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy and UNESCO Biosphere goals.

Begin by observing what wildlife already uses your space. Keep a record of birds, pollinators or wildflowers you spot through the seasons. Small changes — less mowing, planting natives, adding logs or water — quickly create new habitat. Choose plants that provide food and shelter: pollen and nectar sources, berries and fruits, especially early and late in the year when other food is scarce.

Start Where You Are

Every space counts — from a window box to a wild verge. Begin by noticing what wildlife already shares your space: the birds on your fence, bees visiting flowers, mosses in paving cracks. Keep simple notes or photos through the seasons to see what changes.

Small steps make a big difference: mow less often, add a shallow dish of water, plant something native, or leave a quiet corner to grow wild. Over time, these patches connect, helping deliver the Island’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy and strengthen our UNESCO Biosphere network.

Browse the actions, or use the filter to see what you can do for free, with the features you already have, or with new ideas to suit your space and time.