In order to finance a number of exciting conservation, heritage and regeneration schemes, which are in-keeping with the Eco Island vision.  The Isle of Wight Council in conjunction with the West Wight Landscape Partnership have secured £1.7m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

As well as developing heritage walks for Islanders, the funding will also boost tourism on the Island with the introduction of new paths and trails, information points and cultural exhibitions.  At £1.7m this is the largest amount of lottery funding ever awarded to the Isle of Wight for a project of this type.

The schemes, which are in-line with the Eco Island vision are part of the West Wight Partnership’s ‘Learn, Enhance, Inspire and Connect’ projects, and will assist Island residents and visitors in appreciating, engaging and understanding West Wight’s world class geology and ecological diversity as well as its historical and cultural associations.

Among the projects to receive funding is ‘The Golden Circuit’, a flagship multi-use trail for walkers, cyclists, equestrians and mobility users linking important historical, environmental and cultural sites in the West Wight.

Starting and finishing in Yarmouth, the Golden Circuit will link up existing footpaths and trails around the western tip of the Island to create a 9.3km long circuit taking users through some of the finest landscapes in the West Wight with breathtaking Solent views.

The scheme also includes a grant fund of £300k which landowners can access to improve the landscape character and encouragement of biodiversity.

Other projects include exhibitions of historical artefacts found on the Island and the revival of traditional building and countryside management techniques through workshops available to volunteers. 35 hectares of new heathland will also be created through the scheme. 

New information boards and improved signage along with improved disabled access to key sites will also add to West Wight’s attraction as a world class visitor destination.

Isle of Wight Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Cllr Hunter-Henderson said,

“The West Wight is a beautiful place and these projects will enhance it, while increasing the public’s access and understanding of the quality of the environment.

The Isle of Wight Council is keen to promote walking as a healthy pastime and visitors to this October’s Walking Festival will be among the first to benefit from the new improvements the scheme will bring to the area. ”

Sue Poston, Chair of the West Wight Landscape Partnership said,

“We are thrilled at the success of obtaining the grant and as a group look forward to doing all we can to ensure the success of this lottery award and raising the profile of the West Wight both in terms of tourism and economic development.”

Michelle Davies, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the South East, said:

“We are passionate about helping local communities to protect and enjoy the wealth of natural heritage on their doorsteps. Today’s news is a green light for the West Wight Landscape Partnership to do just that, creating a lasting legacy of interest in the ecological diversity of the area and protecting it for future generations.”

Isle of Wight Community news @Island Pulse.