King's Quay purchase preserves Isle of Wight's 'unspoilt inlet'
A "rare and precious" landscape on the Isle of Wight will be preserved for future generations after it was acquired by a wildlife charity.King's Quay - formally known as Palmers Farm - has been described as the island's "last unspoilt inlet on the Solent".It has been bought by the James Tuttiett Charitable Trust (JTCT), which has partnered with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to protect it.JTCT said the purchase would provide "a sanctuary for wildlife and a legacy of conservation".
The inlet, between the villages of Fishbourne and East Cowes, includes freshwater swamp, reedbed, salt marsh and mudflat habitats, and is surrounded by ancient woodland.
It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a RAMSAR site - a wetland of international significance.James Tuttiett of JTCT said: "King's Quay is a truly special place and we are honoured to be playing a role in preserving its unique natural beauty and ecological importance. "By partnering with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, we can ensure this vital habitat thrives for many generations to come, providing a sanctuary for wildlife and a legacy of conservation."
Jamie Marsh of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: "King's Quay is a rare and precious haven for wildlife."Protecting and restoring key ecosystems such as this is a core part of our Wilder 2030 strategy, for a richer, more biodiverse future for Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and beyond."
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