About Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Short eared owl © Gareth Rees
About us
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK. With the invaluable support of volunteers and members we manage over 50 nature reserves. We also work with other organisations and landowners to protect and connect wildlife sites across the county and inspire local communities and young people to care for wildlife where they live.
This county’s natural diversity is possibly unsurpassed in the UK, and when you add the unspoiled habitats of the Isle of Wight you have an internationally important assemblage of wildlife. Some of these sights are almost unique, notably our chalk streams and sandy lowland heaths.
And importantly, most of these places are accessible to us all, in the fantastic collection of nature reserves managed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
More about us
We make space for wildlife
Today we look after more than 50 nature reserves and other land, creating a growing network of wildlife havens across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
We bring wildlife back from the brink
Despite national declines, our work is improving the fortunes of important species like Duke of Burgundy butterfly, water vole and avocet.
We stand up for wildlife
We are the voice for wildlife and wild places with government, local authorities and others. We use our experience, evidence and expertise to help to shape decisions and get the best results for wildlife.
We connect people and wildlife.
We offer hundreds of events, activities and classes throughout the year - giving people of all ages the chance to experience and learn about our incredible natural treasures.
News about our work
Happy Birthday! Swanwick Lakes nature reserve turns 25
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and NATS, the UK air traffic control service, celebrate 25 wild years at Swanwick Lakes…
Royal recognition for Wildlife Trust staff
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust are delighted that one of their hardworking members of staff has been formally recognised…
Battle to protect wildlife at sea receives boost today
We've welcomed the possibility of 41 new Marine Conservation Zones, and called for the government to reconsider local sites they…
Read our latest blogs
Reflections on Swanwick, the Education Centre by Di Smith
The education centre arrived in a container! The building was beautiful in its simplicity and I remember a visitor admiring the new…
Build your connection with nature one day at a time
Becky O'Melia, our Education and Engagement Manager, talks about the benefits of connecting with nature and why 30 Days Wild is a…
Reflections on Swanwick by Di Smith
This year we are celebrating an amazing 25 years of Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve. In this blog Di Smith looks back over the last 25…