JTCT recently completed the purchase of King’s Quay (formally known as Palmers Farm), a pristine and undeveloped inlet on the northeast coast of the Island. This collaboration with the Trust ensures its preservation as a sanctuary site nature reserve and focuses on strengthening and restoring diverse habitats and safeguarding wildlife at King’s Quay for future generations. The partnership also supports the Trust’s ambitious Wilder 2030 strategy to create a future where nature thrives, wildlife returns and ecosystems are restored.  

The last unspoilt inlet on the Isle of Wight  

King’s Quay, situated midway between the villages of Fishbourne/Wootton and East Cowes, has been described by Isle of Wight National Landscape as the last unspoilt inlet on the Solent. 

This remarkable site features a rare combination of habitats including freshwater swamps, reedbeds, salt marshes, and mudflats. These environments are critical for wintering rare bird species and are nationally significant due to the presence of Osbourne Beds, which hold rich fossilised fish remains. 

The site also encompasses ancient woodland, teeming with flora such as butcher’s broom, early purple orchids and narrow-leaved lungwort, further enhancing its ecological value. According to the Isle of Wight Biodiversity Partnership, just 4.06% of the Island is designated as ancient woodland, making this area particularly noteworthy.  

With dual designations as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a RAMSAR site (wetland of international significance), this rich biodiversity highlights its critical value for both national and international conservation efforts.  

The unique meeting point of shoreline and ancient woodland makes King’s Quay a site of significant natural and scientific interest, representing a rare meeting point between two natural ecosystems.  

Rich history and legacy 

Beyond its ecological importance, King’s Quay holds a fascinating human history. Legends connect it to King John’s flight after signing the Magna Carta in 1214 and to smuggling activities by Isle of Wight pirates. In the 19th Century, it formed part of Queen Victoria’s Barton Estate. Queen Victoria described the area as “perfection” in a letter to Lord Melbourne in 1845, praising its secluded beauty and the way its woods met the sea: 

“It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot – valleys and woods which would be beautiful anywhere; but all this near the sea (the woods grow into the sea) is quite perfection; we have a charming beach quite to ourselves. The sea was so blue and calm that the Prince said it was like Naples.” (Esher & Benson, 1908) 

A vision for the future 

Announcing the purchase of the land, James Tuttiett of the JTCT, said: "King’s Quay is a truly special place, and we are honoured to be playing a role in preserving its unique natural beauty and ecological importance. By partnering with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, we can ensure this vital habitat thrives for many generations to come, providing a sanctuary for wildlife and a legacy of conservation.” 

Jamie Marsh, Director of Nature Recovery, Wilder Wight, Solent and Seas at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, added: “King’s Quay is a rare and precious haven for wildlife, and we are proud to be working with the James Tuttiett Charitable Trust on this conservation opportunity. Protecting and restoring key ecosystems such as this is a core part of our Wilder 2030 strategy, for a richer, more biodiverse future for Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, and beyond." 

This partnership ensures that King’s Quay’s invaluable habitats will be cherished and restored, providing a lasting refuge for wildlife and a testament to the power of collaborative conservation efforts. 

The James Tuttiett Charitable Trust was founded in 2011 and has a mission to support two key areas: protecting and enhancing wildlife through habitat stewardship, and Hampshire community-led projects. The JTCT is predominately concerned about the state of Britain’s nature and reversing species decline throughout the country. Through innovative approaches to conservation such as re-naturing, the JTCT is proud of its support of local charities dedicated to protecting the local environment, including Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.