Grammar’s Common, with its dense, almost impenetrable woodland and neolithic Black Barrow is an unusual place and well worth a visit. It was a pleasure to meet John Osborn, the new owner of Grammar’s Common and to walk round the hill and learn more about the area and his plans for the wood. 

Grammar’s Common, with its dense, almost impenetrable woodland and neolithic Black Barrow is an unusual place and well worth a visit. It was a pleasure to meet John Osborn, the new owner of Grammar’s Common and to walk round the hill and learn more about the area and his plans for the wood. 

As I drove down the track towards the north coast of the Isle of Wight to meet Nigel Hayward on his farm, I could see across the Solent towards the Hampshire coast and to the New Forest National Park.

Written and photography by Pete Johnstone.

I met up with Carol Flux on the banks of the Caul Bourne in west Wight. As I arrived, she was sampling water quality at several points along the river.

For 20 years, Carol has worked for Natural Enterprise, a local charity that focuses on the synergy between the economy and the natural environment.

Written and photography by Pete Johnstone.

I met with Abi Price at Calbourne Mill, when she was preparing for one of her weekly outdoor sessions for children and whilst setting up, she explained a little of her background and business and why she found herself at Calbourne Mill.

Written and photography by Pete Johnstone.

I met up with Ellen Penstone-Smith, garden manager at Farringford House, home to the Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, on a frosty winter’s morning. The last time I had visited the garden was in the previous summer and the walled garden, in particular, had been packed full of colour.

On today’s visit the garden is wearing more muted winter colours.

Written and photography by Pete Johnstone.

It’s all in the rocks.

Megan grew up in Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. She always enjoyed collecting fossils and combing the Island’s beaches with her parents. Following her BSc and Masters in Palaeontology, her PhD will focus on looking into the rocks at Compton Bay, specifically the diversity of animals and what happened to their skeletons before and after burial.

Written and photography by Pete Johnstone.

More than Just Apples!

The first ever Apple Day at Calbourne Water Mill saw a real interest in the ‘pop up’ apple juicing set up with local people bringing in their unwanted apples for juicing.

Written and photography by Pete Johnstone.

West Wight charcoal maker Graham Hardy starts another batch of charcoal, this time hazel and plum.

Graham's work is part of an ancient woodland restoration initiative to improve the biodiversity of the woodland. Graham is also keen to encourage the use of locally produced charcoal on the Isle of Wight rather than it being shipped in from abroad from unknown sources.

Written and photography by Pete Johnstone.