Economy of the Isle of Wight
Economy of the Isle of Wight
The economy of the Isle of Wight has been increasing from time to time owing to the numbers of industries that the place has. Tourism and agriculture are the two important industries that have mainly contributed to the economy of the island. Apart from these two industries there are many big and small industries, which also make a major or minor contribution to the wealth of the island.
Tourism
Tourism has been one of the main industries that are very important to the island. With a rich historical and natural heritage, this place is visited by many people around the world.
Wildlife
Wildlife has been pretty rich on this island. According to the area of the island, you will find different sorts of animals and birds. The woodland area of the island has been the sanctuary of varieties of rare species. These aplenty rare species includes 13 to 16 species of bats, red squirrels and fox.
On the costal area of the region, you will find some of the English Channel species along with the Atlantic variety.
The island’s river and wetland has a variety of exotic dragonfly species and there are also other water creatures on the marshes.
The grassland of the island has a number of beautiful wild flowers such as bellflowers and wild thyme.
With these varieties of exotic species, wildlife enthusiasts flock into this island to explore the place.
Events
Through out the year, there are numbers of events and festivals that are held in this tiny island. The events and festivals include Isle of Wight carnivals, fairs, parades and even sports. This events and festivals have been attracting many people around the globe. The annual walking festival in the island has attracted a number of people to participate.
Historical Landmark
Being one of England’s historical places, this island has ample number of historical monuments and landmarks. Some of the well known important landmarks and monuments of the island are the 12th century Nunwell House, the Osborne House, Yarmouth Castle, Carisbrooke Castle, the Isle of Wight Needles and the St Catherine Lighthouse.
Agriculture
Besides tourism, agriculture is one of the main occupations of the people there in the island. The agricultural products include arable crops, dairy and sheep farming. One of the main crops planted there is garlic. This crop is so famous that the island has an annual Garlic Festival in the Newchurch area. Vineyards are favored by the island’s mild climate and it is quite successful there. Lavender oils are also produced in the island.
Maritime Industry
Maritime industry has been growing up in the island since the 19 and 20th century. This industry is still continuing till date. The production of boats, sailcloth, and hovercrafts are the main in this industry.
Aeronautical Engineering
The island is also a big manufacturer of aircrafts. The well known aircrafts, the Islander and the Trislander aircraft are manufactured from this island. There are about four aircraft manufacturing companies on this island.
Breweries
A small yet important occupation of the island is breweries. There are three companies of breweries in the island. There are the Goddards Brewery, Burts and Island Brewery and Ventnor Brewery.
