Earth Heritage - Threats & Challenges

Agricultural intensification and its impacts

Soil erosion, nitrate run off, waste products and their resulting impact on air quality, are more acute when associated with intensive agricultural practice.

Mineral extraction and landfill

The need to source local materials for sympathetic restoration and new buildings that reflect the local vernacular, should be balanced with the impact that quarrying has on the landscape in the short and long-term.  The use of land within the AONB for landfill needs very careful consideration.

Water quality

Agricultural practice and industrial practice (marine) can have an impact on the quality of our water resource.  Quality sewage treatment has been greatly improved on the Isle of Wight through the Seaclean Wight invstment programme.  This has led to more beaches reaching the 'Blue Flag' standard, an important factor for the Island's tourism market.  Seasonal population change and clean water supplies are also a concern; active water conservation should be encouraged.

Climate Change and sea level rise

Climate change and its impact upon the AONB, needs to be monitored and assessed.

Recreation and access (fossil collecting)

The increased reputation of the Island's Heritage Coastline and diverse geological and fossil resources, have led to a rise in interest and activity.  This needs to be monitored and managed, to ensure that the resource is conserved.

Development that interferes with natural coastal processes of sedimentation and erosion

The continuation of coastal processes is of great importance for nature conservation, but can also impact upon livelihoods and property.  The exposed geology of cliffs along undeveloped coastlines, is a key feature of the Isle of Wight AONB.  The deposition of tide-borne litter on rural beaches is a problem that requires attention, although there are no easy solutions.

Lack of awareness of the importance of earth heritage to landscape, historic and natural environments

The Isle of Wight is deemed to be one of the top areas of England for geological diversity.  This contributed to the early interest in geology, and to the aesthetic appreciation of the landscape.  The forthcoming local Geodiversity Action Plan, will seek to raise awareness of this uniquely diverse resource.