Our vision is to create a Living Nexus on a 14 acre grass field ‘Bunt’s Bottom’ on the Isle of Wight where we want to demonstrate that biodiversity uplift can be integrated with education and multiple social benefits.
The Living Nexus
The word Nexus describes a place where ideas come together. This can be an intangible place or, like our fields, a physical place. In our case, several ideas came together over a period of several months.
What began as a simple plan to plant trees gradually evolved into something much more ambitious – to increase biodiversity, and to embrace a wider inclusion of education, heritage, community and well-being.
We are aware that some of these are often in tension. A project to create a species diverse meadow often requires the exclusion of the public and their dogs. This naturally can cause resentment, especially if the field in question has had significant public use in the past.
Our vision is to create a place where biodiversity, education, heritage, community, well-being and research reinforce one another rather than compete. We call this a Living Nexus.
Our core objectives
Restoring Nature
The project will restore and enhance native habitats through natural woodland regeneration, pond restoration, and biodiversity-rich meadow management. Together, these actions will improve ecological connectivity, increase habitat diversity, and support the long-term recovery of wildlife across the site.
Engaging people
The site will provide opportunities for local communities to connect with nature through accessible trails, public events, birdwatching facilities, and green social prescribing. These features will promote wellbeing, environmental awareness, and meaningful engagement with local biodiversity.
Creating knowledge & resilience
The restoration site will serve as a living laboratory for university research, education, and outreach. It will support outdoor teaching, practical training, and long-term ecological monitoring, generating evidence to improve restoration practice and demonstrate environmental and social benefits.