Visitors to the Isle of Wight might not realise at first how many opportunities to spot local wildlife are all around them. What are some of the best ways of getting close to the creatures that live here?
A Haven for Bird-Lovers
The large quantity of birds is a big reason that many wildlife lovers visit the Isle of Wight to get close to nature. Close to 100 different species live and breed here, while there are plenty of others who pass through as part of their long migration routes to and from Africa. The island is home to the White Tailed Eagle, which is the biggest bird of prey living in the UK and can be spotted in many different areas. The Brading Marshes Reserve and Newtown National Nature Reserve are among the best places to visit to spot birds. As Britain is a country of bird lovers, it’s no surprise that many people visit here each year and look for bird-watching tours or tips. We can see our love of these creatures in the popularity of TV programmes like Birding with Bill Oddie, while 2024 marked the 45th running of the Big Garden Birdwatch. You’ll also see birds when playing online slots for fun, as the likes of Pirots 2 and Pigeon Hut include these feathered creatures as the main element of their themes. With colourful birds among the most valuable symbols, these slots add a twist to the classic slot machine gameplay of making winning lines.
Red Squirrels Abound
Possibly the most famous resident of the island, the red squirrel is found in different wooded areas but they can be difficult to spot. With a population of about 3,000 squirrels, this is one of the best places in the UK to look for the country’s only native squirrel. Autumn is arguably the best time to get a glimpse of them, as they come down from the trees to gather nuts for their winter stores. There are a few recommended viewing spots across the island, such as at Parkhurst Forest. The Garlic Farm has a feeding station for these cute animals and Alverstone Mead is a nature reserve with a hide that visitors can go to as they try to spot the squirrels and other local wildlife. 
Many Species of Exotic Butterflies
Not every first-time visitor to the Isle of Wight is aware that they’re heading to one of the UK’s best areas for spotting butterflies. There are about 40 species recorded here annually, with the Glanville Fritillary arguably the finest example on the island as it’s extremely rare in the rest of the country. This species is commonly seen between the end of April and the start of June in the southern part of the island. Chalkhill Blues are among the butterflies with the biggest populations, while Grizzled Skippers and Purple Hairstreaks are among the rarer species you might be lucky enough to spot. Migrating species such as the Painted Lady frequently make a stopover here on their trips. The island has many places where you can spot these beautiful creatures, with Arreton Down and Borthwood Copse being a couple of the best options. The interactive Butterfly World opens on the 16th of March this year and also includes koi fish in their Japanese garden. These are just a few of the fascinating types of wildlife you can expect to come across on a trip to the Isle of Wight. Fitting in a trip to one of the nature reserves is a great way to add some nature thrills to your trip.
