Home / About the Isle of Wight / Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty / Green Island

Green Island

It may be known as the Isle of Wight, but the popular holiday Island is fast becoming known for its green and eco-friendly tourism. Green Island is a programme aimed at developing a more sustainable, environmentally sensitive tourism industry, incorporating eco-friendly hotels, guest accommodation, self catering cottages, holiday parks and camp sites, as well as activity providers and attractions whilst also providing information on Island arts, heritage, wildlife and transport.

Conservation projects and eco-friendly initiatives are helping visitors to enjoy a greener Island break. Green Island has an award programme where Island businesses are rewarded with either Gold, Silver or Bronze standards for the commitment to improving their environmental performance.

Another green scheme is Gift to Nature that enables visitors to play their part in helping to protect rare creatures, such as the red squirrel, by making a voluntary donation.

Visitors to the Island will find that they can walk, cycle and ride without seeing a car for hours. The coastal path is 67 miles long, and eight inland trails - a network of well-groomed, safe footpaths and bridleways - total 500 miles. To help keep the Island a nature reserve it is possible to have a car free holiday as the Island boasts superb bus and ferry links, and the baggage transfer service is available to move luggage to and from ferry ports and follow you as you explore the Island.

Food is also part of the green philosophy and visitors can find places to stay, eat and shop where local Island produce is a key part of the experience. The Island Food and Craft Association (IFCA) supports producers, retailers and users of locally produced food and craft products.