A trial scheme to offset nitrate pollution in The Solent, partly caused by developments disturbing nitrogen-rich soil, is to be rolled out over the next two years and the Isle of Wight has a key part to play.

Under the scheme, developers can buy ‘nitrogen credits’ - to offset the nutrient footprint of new homes. 

The credits can be used to create new habitats - including wetlands, meadows and woodland - which, in turn, offset harmful levels of nutrients in the Solent.  

Natural England and DEFRA are backing the scheme, which aims to ensure that houses can only be built if the nitrate impact is properly addressed.

Where does the Isle of Wight come in?

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust has acquired Little Duxmore Farm.

It will be used to show how the scheme might be rolled out more widely. 

The site, a former arable farm, discharges into the Wootton Creek which in turn runs into the Solent. 

As previously reported by the Isle of Wight County Press, it is being rewilded - to offset wastewater discharge caused by the building of new houses near the Hampshire coast. 

Read more: Skylarks and yellowhammers: Wildlife Trust's plans for East Wight farmland

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely is welcoming the scheme. He has previously written to the Environment Secretary about the impact of uncontrolled large-scale housing developments on wildlife in rivers and marine locations around the Island.

Mr Seely said: “I am pleased the Government is taking steps to alleviate the damage caused to wildlife, salt marshes and seagrass beds by excessive nitrate levels in the Solent.

“Our Marine Conservation Zones are there to safeguard special wildlife and habitats so we must look to protect them. Of course, there is another way to reduce nitrogen levels in watercourses and that is to stop unnecessary greenfield development. I am working to persuade the Government to change its approach to housing which currently requires vast numbers of houses to be built on greenfield sites across the country.”

Debbie Tann, CEO of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: “Nitrate pollution in the Solent wreaks havoc with our vital marine ecosystems, suffocating the life out of our seas. This is a really critical issue and, until recently, every new house built simply added to the pressure.”

The nitrate trading platform pilot will be rolled out over the next two years and delivered jointly with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Natural England and the Environment Agency.