Land purchase preserves island's 'unspoilt inlet'

A "rare and precious" landscape on the Isle of Wight will be preserved for future generations after it was acquired by a wildlife charity.

King's Quay - formally known as Palmers Farm - has been described as the island's "last unspoilt inlet on the Solent".

It has been bought by the James Tuttiett Charitable Trust (JTCT), which has partnered with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to protect it.

JTCT said the purchase would provide "a sanctuary for wildlife and a legacy of conservation".

The inlet, between the villages of Fishbourne and East Cowes, includes freshwater swamp, reedbed, salt marsh and mudflat habitats, and is surrounded by ancient woodland.

It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a RAMSAR site - a wetland of international significance.

James Tuttiett of JTCT said: "King's Quay is a truly special place and we are honoured to be playing a role in preserving its unique natural beauty and ecological importance.

"By partnering with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, we can ensure this vital habitat thrives for many generations to come, providing a sanctuary for wildlife and a legacy of conservation."

Jamie Marsh of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: "King's Quay is a rare and precious haven for wildlife.

"Protecting and restoring key ecosystems such as this is a core part of our Wilder 2030 strategy, for a richer, more biodiverse future for Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and beyond."

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.