Wildlife - Wildlife in the AONB

The Biodiversity Action Plan process in the UK started in the early 1990s.  Key species and habitats that are of national and international importance throughout the country, have been identified.  The Government published its national strategy in 1994 - 'Biodiversity the UK Action Plan' (HMSO 1994).

In the late 1990s, English Nature provided a comprehensive overview of the importance of the Isle of Wight for wildlife in its Natural Area Profile series.  These documents give an overview of the main earth heritage features (see sections on the landscape and earth heritage themes), the characteristic habitats of the natural area; key issues; and objectives for management.

The value of the Isle of Wight AONB for wildlife is reflected in the number of statutory and non-statutory designations within its boundary.  These range from locally designated sites through to the internationally important areas for nature conservation (Ramsar, cSAC, SPA, SSSI, NNR, LNR, SINC).

In the late 1990s, a decision was taken to carry out a review and then formulate an Isle of Wight Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).  The first stage of the review was to publish a detailed audit and assessment of the biodiversity of the wildlife of the Isle of Wight.  This identified 54 priority species occurring on the Island, with a further 180 being seen as nationally important.  In addition, there are a further 455 species which are locally distinctive and there are a number of priority habitats.  Five broad habitat types are described giving a description; an outline of the resource; its nature conservation importance; key species; key sites, and factors affecting the habitat.

Good quality and reliable baseline data is essential to the strategic management of habitats and species within the AONB.  Where possible, we will work in partnership to obtain data, monitor the impact of activities and initiate project work.

There is a need for a close working relationship between the Isle of Wight AONB Management Plan and the Isle of Wight BAP.  As can be seen from the maps in this section, many of the most valued sites for nature conservation occur within the AONB, and are an intrinsic part of landscape character.  The primary purpose of the AONB is, in itself, linked to the conservation and enhancement of wildlife in the area.  The BAP process will guide the future of species and their habitats.  Although non-statutory, the BAP is an important consideration with regard to policy formulation and development control issues.  The Unitary Development Plan provides the framework for proposals for development, that may have an impact on biodiversity with the AONB.  Opportunities to conserve and enhance wildlife, should be considered in all land use and management policies.