Save the Isle of Wight's largest, ancient coppice woodland

Fattingpark Copse is the largest, ancient coppice woodland on the Isle of Wight, traditionally managed by Luke and Chloe. Since 2021, hours of work have been dedicated to reinstating coppice management, enhancing the priority habitat, and providing educational access.

Funds are being raised to take the local planning authority decision to a judicial review due to the lawfulness of the decision and process.

A recent decision by the local planning authority could hinder the conservation efforts and destroy the woodland. Approval of a 92 acre solar energy development along the east and south boundary will permanently alter the hydrology and ecology of the surrounding landscape, having a detrimental impact on the ancient habitat.

The woodland is already being negatively impacted by an existing solar power station along the west boundary. Additional stress on the east and south boundaries would be devastating to the populations supported by the woodland. Evidence of this impact has been presented to the local planning authority throughout the application process which can be viewed on the planning portal. However, adequate mitigation has not been provided, despite the advice of government bodies and local experts.

Ancient woodland takes hundreds of years to establish and is defined as an irreplaceable habitat. It is a valuable natural asset important for endangered wildlife, historical landscape value, recreation and education, carbon capture, wellbeing and so much more.

The valley in which the development site is located has lost 57% of ancient woodland due to agriculture and industrialisation. Fattingpark Copse is one of the last remaining fragments; it is designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) and acts as a supporting habitat to Briddlesford Copse, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).