Link: http://www.iwight.com/countryside

The Ecology Service provides specialist advice and information on a wide variety of matters relating to nature conservation on the Isle of Wight with the aim of securing the protection and enhancement of the Island?s biodiversity. We seek to raise the profile and standard of wildlife conservation in the Island through our dealings with public, voluntary and private sector bodies.

Our services are used by members of the public, the Council, as well as land managers and grant awarding bodies (such as The Forestry Commission and English Nature) and consultants. We liaise with statutory bodies including English Nature, the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission.

We provide advice on the ecological impact of development proposals, including advice on site safeguard and mitigation measures and evaluation of Environmental Impact Assessments.

We provide advice on international and national legislation and planning guidance relating to wildlife and nature conservation, including protected species.

Wall lizard, Ventnor

We maintain the Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) system of sites considered to be of at least local importance for habitats, species, geological or geomorphological features they support.

We offer advice on land management which will benefit wildlife.

We work closely with many partner organisations in developing and implementing local Biodiversity Action Plans and we act as co-ordinators for the Isle of Wight Biodiversity Action Plan Steering Group.

We maintain information in paper and electronic forms relating to the presence and distribution of habitats and species throughout the county.