Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2013 | Page 72

COUNTRY LIFE

Hunt for trolls - and more!
Gift to Nature is responsible for a variety of conservation sites
around the Island, it is their mission to not only care for the
Island’s wildlife but encourage everyone to get out and explore our
fantastic countryside.
The Troll Trail is a Gift to Nature
project that offers the opportunity
for a winter stroll or cycle ride,
and a chance to spot some
all-year-round wildlife.
If trolls cannot be found, look
out for other wildlife starting to
build their homes. The grey wagtail
is rather partial to nesting under
bridges, so we have installed special
nesting boxes for them under some
of them. There is also a ‘terrace’
of House Sparrow boxes in place
at Blackwater to help this sadly
declining species.
You may also see the beautiful
green woodpecker, either hunting
for ants or going into holes. They
rarely build their own holes, relying
on finding existing ones. You will
probably hear the long-tailed tit

before you see it. Yellowhammers
can be seen flying around the
surrounding fields and in and out
of hedges looking for weed seeds,
wild fruits and insect larvae. This
highlights the importance of these
countryside features.
We have made improvements
for people too. These include
commissioning a unique set
of picnic benches at Merstone
Station and Three Bridges near
Blackwater. At the mid-point of the
trail we have secured access to the
flourishing Birchmore Pond, and at
Merstone Station we have created a
commemorative chalk maze. Along
the route we have commissioned a
number of art sculptures by local
artists.
The Troll Trail forms part of

National Cycle Network route 23, and
can be experienced between Shide and
Merstone. Full details and directions can be
found at www.gifttonature.org.uk .
Gift to Nature’s work is only possible
with the help of committed supporters.
All donations enable us to continue our
conservation work on the Isle of Wight. If
you would like to support the work of Gift
to Nature please visit our website www.
gifttonature.org.uk or get in touch with
us direct on 01983 296244 or sam.buck@
naturalenterprise.co.uk.

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