BOOK YOUR MAGICAL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE TODAYl

Conservation at Tapnell Farm

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, whether taking water from our bore hole to supply the farm, using the sun to make electricity for hundreds of homes, powering our heating systems with our biomass boiler or growing over 30 acres of new woodland and hedgerows. It’s ingrained in everything we do.

The golden rule for us is to pass on our farm in better environmental and productive health than it was at the beginning of our life’s tenure.

Our Conservation Strategy

Vision

To create balance and exist in harmony with our environment

Mission

To pass on our farm in better environmental and productive health than it was at the beginning of our life’s tenure

Aims

We endeavour to be actively involved in the conservation of our native flora and fauna as well as that outside of the United Kingdom

We aim to promote and support local charities and organisations who are already involved in local conservation projects

We aim to educate visitors about the importance of supporting local and overseas conservation projects as well as living a greener life

Find out more and read our current Conservation Strategy

READ HERE

We want to educate our visitors about conservation projects and living a greener life

Our plans for 2022 - 2024

Conservation of local flora and fauna

Further tree and shrub establishment in the farm park, including signage for species established and wildlife benefit, and a peaceful Conservation Garden

Swallow surveys and potential further artificial nest relocation if required

Sparrow Street and Sparrow surveys to give the sparrows somewhere to nest and roost and then for us to be able to monitor their activity on the farm and send data to the British Trust for Ornithology

Active beehive establishment to further help support the declining bee population

Encouraging visitors to engage

Carry out seasonal wildlife surveys and identify target species for surveying and protection where possible. Incorporate these species into an interactive Conservation Wall located in the Animal Barn opposite the park map

Birdwatching/Wellness breaks to further help promote the local environment during all seasons on a seasonal tourist Island

The provision of a children’s Farm Wildlife Trail and the encouragement of visitors to record and monitor local wildlife species at home

Signage to educate about our unique UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Status and what this means

Promote and support local charities/organisations

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust - One of our chosen charities for 2023

National Trust

Isle of Wight Bat Hospital

Save Our Hedgehogs

English Nature

Woodland Trust

The Bat Conservation Trust

RSPB/British Trust for Ornithology

Repurposing spaces on the farm

Continued repurposing of spaces on the farm to further promote natural human powered fun such as the revamped Pumpkin Patch, Maize Maze and Sunflower Field

Update of existing conservation strategies by construction of Conservation Wall

Proactively engaging the public on the importance of INNS (Invasive Non-Native Species) and as to why we should not be illegally promoting the selling or release of these species into areas that they do not inhabit; plus the effect this can have on ecosystems and well as the welfare on animals

Website updates on each resident animal species, their red list status, and facts

Strategies and signage for the Coffee House such as coffee ground repurposing and a can crusher

New Infographic being produced by Marketing that could include information on how the rest of the farm (Accommodation, The Cow, The Aqua Park and Target Sports, The Wedding and Events Barn, The Farm Shop and Football Golf) promotes our natural environment and reduces their carbon footprint

Taking care of our waste: The construction of a biodigester to consume biodegradable and compostable waste and hopefully turn it into fertiliser for the crops, flowering plants and veggies (for the Farm Shop) and biomass pellets to use in our biomass boiler

Tapnell Farm Conservation Strategy

View Strategy

Supporting Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

Join wildlife experts from The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Tapnell Farm's own Tom Turney, as we stretch our legs along the Tapnell Trail, soaking in the sights and sounds of the west of the Island.

The walk is part of the Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival and aims to raise money for one of our chosen charities - supporting the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Check out the Tapnell Trail

New Bug Hotel!

As part of our conservation efforts for 2023, Jack - one of our keepers, has built a living roof 5 ⭐ Bug Hotel to attract mini beasts.

Bug Hotels are important for biodiversity as they help provide a safe place for mini beasts like ladybirds, woodlice, solitary bees, spiders and more! In turn, these mini beasts help pollinate plants and prey on pests.

Why not build your own?

Bug Hotels are easy to build and cost very little to make. The Wildlife Trust has a great link on how to do this: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-build-bug-mansion

The Bugs are now checking in, so you can come and check it out! 👀

Swallow Surveys

2023 saw the installation of our new conservation signage in the Farm Park. 'Sparrow and Swallow Street'. Designed to engage with visitors and increase awareness of our conservation strategy. Infographics and boards, updated regularly, detail wildlife spotted at The Farm.

Keeper Jack has been taking surveys and recently seen the arrival of new Swallows. He has observed nests, so far outside in the paddocks in our sheds! One has 5 eggs inside and the other 2 eggs.

29/04/24 - 2 eggs in shed at the bottom of the alpacas paddock (Centurian & Augustus' shed)

29/04/24 - 5 eggs in Del Boy's (Pig) shed (located opposite the offices on the left side of the paddock)

21/05/24 - 5 swallow eggs in Del Boy's shed have hatched! (see photo)

We'll keep you updated!