Dear Priory Protectors,

Thank you for your support for the Save Priory Bay Campaign in 2019. 7000 of us came together in under two weeks to send a clear message of how important this place is to generations of Islanders and visitors.   We have been quiet over the past couple years after the success of our campaign to prevent the coastal woodland above the beach being developed. Through the unprecedented trials of the last couple of years, the tranquility and wildness of this place has been more important than ever, and many of us have had reasons to be grateful for its restorative ways.

Many locals and visitors have commented on the increase in wildlife on the beach and through the woods. The former golf course attached to the Priory has been left to gently 'rewild' over the last three years, and has become species rich and diverse, contributing to the wonderful sight of numerous butterflies on the beach over the summer.  

As you may have seen in August this year, Angelo Gordon, the multi-billion pound venture capital company that currently own The Priory, merged Aria Resorts with Away Resorts. The Priory was not part of this deal and our understanding is that the Priory, incorporating the Grade II listed buildings, forty-eight acres including the former golf course and the coastal woodland, is now for sale.  Despite the numerous designations protecting this unique bit of coastline (see diagram) there is likely to be continued pressure to commercialise and develop it.

At September's meeting the Seaview and Nettlestone Parish Council reiterated its commitment to protect Priory Bay, and the new Isle of Wight Council's priorities include the preservation of the ecological and heritage capital of the Island. There are ongoing wide-ranging discussions about how sustainable housing and tourism can contribute to the Islands future, rather than destroying what makes the Island special.  

Preserving Priory Bay's iconic status as an oasis of peace and tranquility in East Wight will be a test of our will to protect the best of the Island. The woods above Priory bay contain the earliest evidence of human habitation on the Island, and the long history of a religious community at the Priory, and the generations of people who have enjoyed the beach without restriction, underlies its cultural importance to the community.

Whoever is fortunate enough to purchase the Priory and become a guardian of this extraordinary place, we hope to be able to work together, and with the other local landowners, to ensure that the what makes this beach so important to so many people, continues.

We will keep you posted on any developments and please don't hesitate to get in touch if you would like to get involved.

Many thanks,

Charity

charitygarnett@gmail.com