DOWN to the Coast partners are responding to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis by making resources available online.

Groups affiliated with the environmental organisation in Sandown have shared suggestions on ways to connect with nature and boost well-being.

These include the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, who presented the following tips.

  • Make the most of your daily trip outside and walk in a natural space.
  • If you have a garden you could put food and water out for the birds. You could even have a go at making a bird feeder, starting your own compost heap or making a mini pond in the garden.
  • Study the different animals and plants you see during daily exercise. Use the Wildlife Trust website to identify what you see.
  • Find out why certain plants grow where they do, or why you see some birds and minibeasts more than others.
  • If you can’t go out, look out of the window and watch for birds and insects flying past, take a closer look at any insects you find in the house. Open the window and listen for birdsong.

Fellow affiliate, the New Carnival Company in Ryde, has announced that All Along the Riverbank and Mardi Gras 2020 will not be going ahead as intended, although a small, pop-up carnival named Let Loose! is planned for the streets of Ryde later this year.

In the meantime, the company is offering its Virtual Carnival Club service, which will share a series of tutorials for children and families.

There will be an option to register for a related Discover Arts Award scheme for IW children who are eligible. All content will be Blue Peter style with a junk theme and can be made on the kitchen table from loo rolls, yoghurt pots and recycled clothes.