A BOOK celebrating the natural environment and the wildlife, history and heritage found in Yarmouth and Shalfleet, was launched at an event earlier this month.

Wight Nature Fund (WNF) hosted a tea party at Yarmouth Community Centre (CHOYD) on Saturday, July 2, to launch the new 200-page book.

Grants from the Island’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) team, Delphie Lakeman Trust and John Caucutt and Yarmouth Town Council ensured that a copy of the book could be given to every child at Yarmouth and Shalfleet CE Primary Schools to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Proceeds from the sale of the book will be used for conservation work in Mill Copse in Yarmouth, which has been under the management of WNF for 32 years.

Isle of Wight County Press: Steve Cowley, chairman of WNF, (back left) presents books to children from Shalfleet CE Primary with Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon (back right), and Steve cuts the cake at the tea party with Mary Edmunds (right).Steve Cowley, chairman of WNF, (back left) presents books to children from Shalfleet CE Primary with Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon (back right), and Steve cuts the cake at the tea party with Mary Edmunds (right).

At the tea party, Richard Grogan, team leader of AONB, highlighted the success of the conifer clearance work, which has ensured the return of wildflowers, such as bluebells, and wildlife, such as red squirrels.

Copies of the book are available for £15 from Holdings of Yarmouth, Medina Bookshop in Cowes or direct from WNF.