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Close to Nature on the Isle of Wight

As a destination for a nature holiday in the UK look no further than the Isle of Wight.

No motorways, cities or pollution...just nature, simple and unspoilt. One of Britain's natural wonders, it's an escape for the senses.

With over half the Island designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the natural world flourishes. There's an abundance of flora and fauna. Endangered and rare, you can seek out red squirrels, dormice, water voles, kingfishers, Ventor's wall lizards, and unique to the Island, the Glanville Fritillary butterfly.

It's an Island of contrasts. Rolling downs and broad estuaries in the north give way to the south's sea-beaten cliffs. World-famous natural landmarks like the Needles sit alongside thatched cottages in forgotten inland villages. And when autumn sees many visitors depart leaving deserted beaches, so flocks of migrating birds return creating a birdwatchers' paradise.

You can walk, cycle and ride without seeing a car for hours. Our Coastal Path is 67 miles long, whilst our eight inland trails - a network of well-groomed, safe footpaths and bridleways - total 500 miles. And to help keep the Island a nature reserve you can enjoy a car-free holiday. We've superb bus and ferry links, and our Baggage Transfer service will move your luggage to and from ferry ports and follow you as you explore the Island.

Through our Gift to Nature project you can help fund nature habitats, such as our Red Squirrel Safari and Wetland Walk. And through our Green Island Awards we encourage businesses to save water, reduce energy use and waste, and use local produce.

With such a mild climate and a unique geography organic farming is booming. Farmers' markets, pubs, farms and B&Bs all offer superb local wine, real ales and ciders, honey and garlic. All this, without mention of the seafood!