Catch up on the plans, policies, funding and partnership news helping shape nature recovery across the Island.
Big Chalk funding for nature recovery
The Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund is inviting proposals for capital projects that restore habitats, connect landscapes and support wildlife across southern England’s chalk and limestone landscapes.
With £2 million available for 2026/27, grants range from £1,000–£9,999 for smaller projects to £10,000–£100,000 for larger schemes. Exceptional projects can seek more than £100,000.
Farmers, landowners, community groups, councils, environmental organisations and partnerships can apply. Projects contributing to Local Nature Recovery Strategy priorities are among those encouraged.
Applications begin with an Expression of Interest. There is no single annual deadline, but funding is limited and early submissions are encouraged. Explore the fund and application process.
£50,000 fund for the Island’s rivers
Have an idea to improve a local river or stream? The Island Rivers Catchment Project Fund is open for applications, supporting projects that benefit the Island’s waterways, wildlife and communities.
Hosted by Natural Enterprise and sponsored by Southern Water, the fund welcomes proposals from community groups, individuals, partner organisations, landowners and land managers.
Funding can support habitat restoration, water quality improvements and resilience to flooding and drought. It can also help with community activities, wildlife monitoring, specialist advice and developing ideas into practical projects. Proposals should demonstrate collaboration, clear environmental benefits and measurable outcomes.
A total of £50,000 is available until March 2027, or until fully allocated. Explore the Island Rivers fund and application details.
New fund for practical nature recovery in the Solent
A new Solent Nature Innovation Fund will support smaller community and partnership projects that improve water quality, strengthen catchment resilience and help nature recover.
The Solent Mitigation Partnership has announced a £30,000 first round for 2026/27, aiming to support around six projects with grants of up to £5,000. Exceptional projects delivering significant benefits could receive up to £10,000.
Community groups, landowners and environmental organisations are among those the fund aims to support. Potential projects include wetland restoration, riverside planting, reducing run-off and restoring coastal habitats, with an emphasis on practical delivery and testing nature-based solutions.
The fund was announced as opening soon at October’s Solent Forum meeting, with a simple Expression of Interest process planned. Read about the fund in the Solent Forum presentation.
Planning for nature on the Island
The Isle of Wight Council adopted the Interim Island Planning Strategy on 16th September 2026. It now provides the main planning framework for the Island, with explicit links to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Nature recovery in the adopted plan
Policy EV2 requires development proposals to align with the LNRS and consider the Island’s ecological network. Tree and hedgerow protection and planting should be informed by LNRS habitat priorities and opportunity mapping, while public green and recreational space proposals should also consider the strategy.
The climate change policy asks development to demonstrate how it contributes to LNRS delivery. Together, these policies connect planning decisions with local priorities for nature and climate resilience.
Biodiversity Net Gain
At the September LNP meeting, the Council reported 17 approved Biodiversity Gain Plans and five Island habitat banks registered nationally. At that point, developments requiring BNG had secured their gains on site or through Island habitat banks, without needing statutory biodiversity credits.
Find your next action for nature
Looking for ways to help wildlife in your garden, community or workplace? The Nature Recovery Toolkit offers a practical starting point, connecting local action with the Isle of Wight’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Explore the toolkit to find ideas for making more space for nature.
Connecting Island farmers with advice and support
Wight Rural Hub is bringing Island farmers together to discuss practical challenges, funding and the future of their businesses.
Its September Farmer Update Meeting at the Chequers Inn brought farmers face to face with representatives from Defra, the Rural Payments Agency, AHDB and Catchment Sensitive Farming. Discussions covered environmental schemes, drought and water resilience, alongside questions about applications, future agreements and support for younger farmers.
A Farm Support Hub at the Godshill Ploughing Match provided another opportunity for informal advice and conversation.
The Hub is also progressing its Women in Farming programme following a positive response to its farmer survey, and developing further activities around drought and livestock health.
For information about local support, visit Wight Rural Hub.
Island nature priorities shape Green Impact
The Isle of Wight’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy is helping shape Green Impact, the national sustainability scheme for businesses and organisations.
Working with the Island Nature team, the Council’s Amelie Owen and SOS UK, the scheme’s toolkit and biodiversity actions have been expanded to reflect the Island’s LNRS. The changes will help businesses take meaningful action for wildlife at work, at home and in their local communities.
The Common Space is sponsoring the programme for 2027, with a new Island Nature Award recognising businesses making the biggest contribution to biodiversity.
The Island’s approach is also informing the national scheme, which will introduce an action encouraging participants to explore and connect with their own Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Find out more about Green Impact