AN Isle of Wight organisation responsible for projects from creating wildlife gardens to restoring heathland is to disband after four successful years.
The West Wight Landscape Partnership (WWLP) has packed a lot into the last four years. It was funded by a £1.73m heritage lottery grant, and the fruits of its labours can be seen across the West Wight.
The money has been used to spruce up village beauty spots, create orchards and vegetable patches at schools, host nature walks and gardening workshops, build sculptures from natural materials and even produce a CD of Island folk music.
Grants have also been awarded to volunteer and community groups, enabling them to carry out their own environmental projects. Originally funded for three years from 2008, but given a one year extension to continue its work, the project is now winding down.
The number of staff has been reduced and the team has vacated its headquarters at Madeira House, Freshwater, which has been used to host 49 events attended by some 500 people during the lifetime of the project.
Project manager Peter Fellows said "Although the WWLP won’t be around any more, a lot of our work will be continuing and there are a number of ongoing legacy projects, such as the regeneration of Fort Victoria."
The WWLP will officially close down later this year.
Until then, the team can be contacted at info@wwlp.co.uk
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk