Conservation

Tapnell Farm Conservation Strategy can be found here.

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

Plans for 2022-2023

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

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, including the visit of David Lindo known as the Urban Birder in Autumn 2022, 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

National Trust

Isle of Wight Bat Hospital (Will hopefully attend the farm in Autumn 2022)

Save Our Hedgehogs (Will hopefully attend the farm in Autumn 2022)

English Nature

Woodland Trust

RSPB/British Trust for Ornithology (The RSPB will attend the farm in Summer 2022)

Buglife

Plantlife

Educate our visitors about conservation projects and living a greener life

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