The ash tree is an important element of the landscape of the Isle of Wight. Ash is currently a commonly seen tree, widespread in woods and along roadside verges. It is perhaps more noticeable in the landscape as a single hedgerow or field tree. Nationally, Ash is an important timber tree with its hard wearing wood being used in furniture making, house interiors and wooden implements. Ash dieback is a highly destructive disease that has spread across Europe and which is now present in the UK. It is a disease that is sadly going to kill many of our trees and in turn this will have a significant impact on our Island landscape. My project here is to monitor a number of ash trees in the West Wight landscape, both as a record and also to see how they progress against the disease. The project is informal and non scientific.

The basis of these images are from my West Wight People and Place exhibition held at Dimbola Museum and Galleries, Freshwater. January - May 2018. What gives a place its sense of place? It might include, location, landscape, buildings, folklore, culture, local history and probably much more. West Wight People and Place seeks to capture the contribution that people are making to this diverse rural community, be it around the sea, landscape, heritage or the community itself. All images taken with permissions at time of the photograph.

West Wight People and Place seeks to capture the contribution that people are making to this diverse rural community, be it around the sea, landscape, heritage or the community itself. These set of stories are from 2022 onwards, some of which were taken for the Isle of Wight Biosphere Reserve website. All images taken with permissions at time of the photograph. Photography © Pete Johnstone.

My emerging ideas to bring about nature recovery in the three West Wight parishes.

The Isle of Wight Biosphere Reserve.