Return of the
WILD
A nature revival is taking place on the Isle of Wight at the Trust’s first rewilding site. Wildlife is returning, the environment is healthier, and we hope this is just the start. LINNET - JAMES WEST
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ometimes, it’s best to let nature take the lead. That’s the ethos at Little Duxmore Nature Reserve, a 100-acre plot of arable farmland the Trust acquired in 2019 to become its first dedicated rewilding site. Until then, Little Duxmore had operated primarily as an intensively managed arable farm, producing crops such as maize. However, since purchasing the Isle of Wight-based site, we hope that letting natural processes occur will transform the landscape at Little Duxmore over the coming months and years.
Situated within the East Downs Area of Natural Beauty, Little Duxmore neighbours several of the Trust’s existing nature reserves on the Isle of Wight. Adding Little Duxmore to the Trust’s suite of Island reserves marks a significant step towards our vison for a Wilder Wight. It also forms part of our 10-year goal to see at least a third of land and sea actively managed for nature by 2030. The natural restoration of vital habitats here will benefit an expanding nature recovery network on the Island – creating the rich, connected landscapes that wildlife needs to survive and thrive. 24
Wild Life | Spring 2022
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Wildlife bouncing back
We began carrying out ecological monitoring at Little Duxmore in April 2021. This has included monthly wildlife surveys, setting up remote, motion-sensor wildlife cameras, testing the soil quality
STRONG ISLAND
Hands-off approach
Rewilding also benefits both people and wildlife by helping to reverse species declines, tackle the climate crisis and mitigate pollution. As part of our approach, small groups of cattle and pigs now freely roam Little Duxmore as part of our conservation grazing strategy whereby the animals enhance the ecosystem by living naturally on the land.
and sampling earthworm numbers across the site. So far, bird surveys at Little Duxmore have recorded 36 different species, including several nationally threatened species such as linnet and song thrush, while skylark have successfully bred on the former arable fields.
Above: Lane leading to Little Duxmore Farm. Left: Wildlife is returning to Little Duxmore. STRONG ISLAND
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