Wightlink announces its latest sustainability grants to innovative Isle of Wight organisations

Wightlink has announced the successful Isle of Wight community organisations that will receive grants to help the Island to make progress towards meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They are the Waterside Community Trust and Keert.

The ferry company has been challenging groups to innovate, improve and take action through its £10,000 Green Innovation Fund, part of Wightlink’s commitment to run an environmentally conscious business.

Waterside Community Trust

Ryde’s Waterside Community Trust has been awarded £7,500 towards the cost of an electric all-terrain vehicle (e-ATV). It will be used every day in the summer to respond to emergencies and transport equipment between the beaches in Ryde and Sandown. Replacing a petrol vehicle, the e-ATV will reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution on the beach.

The Waterside Community Trust runs activities such as a summer beach lifeguard service and a pioneering drowning-prevention programme, as well as all-year-round training, delivering lifeguard and first aid courses across the Island and the South Coast. It also manages Waterside pool, a 25-metre lido next to Ryde beach.

This year, the charity will be fitting PV solar panels to its pool and hall along with an efficient heat exchange unit, which will cut fuel bills.

Trust Beach Manager Todd Miller says: “We are elated to have obtained the grant from Wightlink to purchase the new all electric vehicle for the Beach Lifeguard Service. The new e-ATV will be used to tow our beach wheelchairs, an inshore rescue boat and other equipment, perform patrols and much more in both Ryde and Sandown, while helping us to reduce our carbon emissions and looking after the amazing Island we live on.”

Keert

Alternative transport trailblazer Keert has received £2,500 towards buying a new e-cargo bike for the West Wight. Enthusiastic riders are already delivering all kinds of things for the Island community, with zero emissions.

Using an e-cargo bike improves air quality, makes roads quieter and reduces traffic noise. It shows Islanders that bikes are an alternative to cars and inspires others towards a healthier lifestyle.

The e-cargo bikes can carry up to 150kg and large volumes of parcels. Keert riders receive a living wage and full training, with all deliveries insured and tracked – it’s an efficient, safe and secure service. Keert has been delivering for the local community for 18 months and wants to expand its service.

Rider/Director Matt Whittaker says: “The grant from Wightlink has meant we’ve been able to extend our operating area to cover the West Wight much sooner than we otherwise would have done. This enables us to support the pop-up community pantry in Freshwater and offer West Wight businesses the opportunity to choose a low carbon option for their deliveries.”

Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield adds: “Our Green Solent Project outlines our wide-ranging initiatives to protect the sea, land and air that surround us. We already support communities in a number of ways through our Wightlink in the Community Sponsorship, giving travel support to over 150 local organisations every year. Our Green Innovation Fund was launched in 2022 to help residents bring their sustainability projects to life and we are delighted at the response from Islanders.”

Photo: Waterside Community Trust

Todd Miller, from the Waterside Community Trust, accepts the Wightlink cheque from Dean Murphy, Wightlink Head of Port Operations, watched by volunteer lifeguards, from left, Charlie McCarthy, Summer Tucker, Harry Beacham-Clapp and Ben Milward.

Photo: Keert

Community Pantry worker Abbi Leverton and Martin Gulliver, Wightlink’s Head of Island Ports, with Matt Whittaker from Keert and Volunteer Rider Nic Ward.

For more information contact:

Duty Media Officer

• 07870 906 189

• [email protected]