Milton Locks © Paul Gonella
Wilder Solent
With miles of stunning coastline, a shallow strait, and easy access to the seas beyond, our two counties share a wonderful marine environment. As well as being vital to our health and wellbeing, our waters bring fun, employment, and inspiration to thousands of people each day, and are central to our region's identity.
Unfortunately our marine wildlife is struggling to cope with increasing pressure from human activity. Our coastal habitats are being damaged and many amazing species are in danger of disappearing altogether. Nature is at a tipping point, and if we want to stop further decline then we must act now.
The Wildlife Trusts are on a mission to make our world wilder, and Wilder Solent is exploring what this looks like for our region's waters. We're still working hard to protect the marine environment, from monitoring vulnerable species to campaigning for legal protections, but we need your help to tip the balance in nature's favour.
Our work
We're working with partners both locally and nationally to protect the marine environment.
Get involved
There are lots of ways to support the marine environment both with us and independently.
Marine news and blogs
It's an exciting time for marine developments - hear about our activities in this area.
Low tides, high impact: Surveying the seas off Keyhaven
This blog is written by Bonnie Waycott, a first-time intertidal survey volunteer, and provides a beautifully vivid account of her day at…
Are mermaids real?
Sadly, they are not - but if you volunteer, you can dive into their mythical realm and feel a little magic of your own. This blog is…
Treating marine wildlife with respect this summer
Many of us will be visiting and enjoying the coast around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight this summer. This is a beautiful environment…
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust joins national call to ban bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is supporting a new campaign from The Wildlife Trusts calling for a UK-wide ban on…
The unsung hero of our seas
By Ellie Parker, Marine Officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Seagrass returns to the River Hamble for the first time in decades
Pioneering project aims to restore lost underwater habitat, and one of the UK’s most threatened habitats