We asked Jessica Brooks, of Thorness, what she likes about living here.

Scroll through the gallery above to see some of Jessica's favourite things...

Tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m in my early 30s and I was born and brought up on the Island and delighted to become a resident once again after spending my post-Uni years working as an ecologist in various places in the Midlands and the south. 
My husband Josh, daughter Julia and labrador Merlin are moving to the family farm at Thorness and are very excited to have the opportunity to return and work here as a young professional family.

What do you like most about the Isle of Wight?
I like the fact it has a distinct identity, lots of quality local businesses and attractions, and it feels like a quieter and more tranquil place compared to the mainland. 
I also love the fact that you can find a taste of almost every British landscape here on the Island — big hills, rocks and cliffs, flat and rolling farmland, valleys, rivers, marshes, downland, beaches and ancient woodlands — we are spoiled with rural beauty.

For visitors, where would you recommend to go and see, or what activities would you tell them to try, and why?
Any visitors with kids have got to have a go at crabbing — as children we used to love catching them with bacon off the bridge at Newtown but there are plenty of other good spots around the Island too. 
For 30-something friends, I would recommend brunch and a browse at the Quay Arts in Newport, then an afternoon West Wight walk with pub lunch. The northern shores of the Island are often good for finding trinkets like sea glass and pottery or just enjoying the seabirds and passing boats, so definitely worth a visit too.

What’s the best memory of your time living here? 
My favourite memories usually involve summery beach days or camping with friends, but if I had to pick one it would probably be visiting the Isle of Wight Agricultural Show at Northwood showground as a child: it was the event of the farming year, and I loved sitting by the arena side watching the animals and entertainment with my grandparents and tasty food!

Which is your favourite pub?
Our favourite pub as a family is probably the Sun Inn at Hulverstone. It has wonderful surroundings, roomy tables, a nice beer garden and stunning walks nearby. The farmers board (Ploughmans’) I had there recently was absolutely delicious!

What is the one thing which is gone that you miss the most, and why?
 Some years ago there was an incredible fine chocolaterie in Cowes where I would buy gifts and something as a treat for myself (unashamedly snaffled on the spot). As a chocolate fiend, I’d love to see them return! 

Which local teams or sports do you support and why?
My husband’s family is really into sailing, so for the big competitions such as Cowes Week I like cheering them on and hearing how the race went and joining in the dinners and drinks!

What is your favourite building on the IW?
Aside from the family farmhouse of course, I would say St Mary’s Church in Cowes because I got married there, we sing Christmas Carols there, and I used to exhibit my pencil portraits with the local art group in the hall during Cowes Week. My only claim to fame is that I served Alan Titchmarsh a canape in that hall once when he opened the Cowes Art Group exhibition.

Where would you go for a special meal and why?
Valentino’s Italian restaurant in Carisbrooke — no contest! It’s a gem of a place — friendly service, bountiful portions, authentic recipes and a mouthwatering dessert trolley.

Where is your favourite walk and why?
I have many favourite walks and I am still exploring new footpaths on the Island, but if I had to pick one, the coastal path between Brook and Compton is hard to beat, it always blows the cobwebs away.

What is the one thing you would change, or you think the area needs?
I used to say we need a games cafe until Snacks and Ladders opened in Newport which is great! I do think we need to encourage and support small shop owners and traders, as these are what give the towns their attractiveness and variety.

Would you like to tell us what makes the Isle of Wight so special to you? Click on the submissions box below to tell us more!