A group of New Forest-based volunteers have continued a 20-year tradition of lending a helping hand at Fort Victoria Country Park with their annual visit to the Isle of Wight.
The New Forest Area Conservation Volunteers (NFACV) have been spending a day working on the Isle of Wight every year for more than 20 years.
This year, the mainland-based volunteers spent the day at the Isle of Wight Council-owned country park in Yarmouth, which offers an unspoilt stretch of natural coastline and stunning views across the Solent.
NFACV joined Fort Victoria Ranger Anita Matheson on Tuesday 15th July, spending the day clearing vegetation below a woodland viewpoint to ensure the panoramic views remain clear and unobstructed for visitors.
Anita Matheson, Isle of Wight Council’s Fort Victoria Ranger, has said:
“We’re extremely grateful to the New Forest Area Conservation Volunteers for their continued support of the Isle of Wight for more than 20 years.
“The volunteers have helped in different areas on the Island, but have spent lots of time at Fort Victoria over the past 2 decades, and their annual visits have become a valued tradition.
Article continues below this advertisement “The group’s dedication over more than 20 years is a fantastic example of how volunteers can make a real difference to our parks and open spaces.”
Fort Victoria Country Park is the Isle of Wight’s largest and most popular country park. Owned and managed by the Isle of Wight Council, it offers visitors the chance to experience the Island’s unique ecosystems.
Julie Thomas, Chair of the New Forest Area Conservation Volunteers, has said:
“As New Forest Area Conservation Volunteers we look forward to and enjoy our annual outing to the Isle of Wight and doing our bit to enhance Fort Victoria Country Park, whether it has been building steps, laying paths or cutting down vegetation where views have been obstructed.”
Families are also being invited to discover the hidden wonders of the Isle of Wight’s coastline at Fort Victoria this summer, as ranger-led rock pooling and fossil hunting sessions return during the school holidays.
Led by Ranger Anita Matheson, with selected appearances from fossil expert Dr Martin Munt, the family-friendly sessions offer the chance to discover marine life and uncover fossils from the Isle of Wight’s prehistoric past.
The sessions will take place on the following dates:
- Wednesday (29th July) – 14:30
- Wednesday (5th August) – 10:00
- Thursday (6th August) – 10:30
- Friday (7th August) – 11:00
- Monday (10th August) – 14:00
- Tuesday (11th August) – 14:00
- Wednesday (12th August) – 14:30
- Wednesday (19th August) – 10:00
- Thursday (20th August) – 10:30
- Friday (21st August) – 11:00
- Monday (24th August) – 14:00
- Tuesday (25th August) – 14:00
- Wednesday (26th August) – 14:30
More information about the sessions can be found on the Isle of Wight Council’s website.
