The Isle of Wight Natural History and Archaeological Society closely monitors the extremely rare purple flowering Wood Calamint that grows exclusively at limited locations on the island. Each year in winter these areas are conserved by volunteers clearing coarser vegetation to reduce competition in an effort to preserve this rare plant. This is the only known location in the UK where this plant is found. Conservation efforts also extend to further planting at selected locations. Although there are no reported findings at this woodland the grassy verges along the tracks within Calamint Wood are valuable habitat for other wildflowers, butterflies and insects.

The woodland is well connected for Islanders and offers convenient access from the ferry terminal for foot passengers at Ryde Pier Head, (only a 22 minute crossing from Portsmouth Harbour!) Immediate onward passage to the wood is possible by train from Ryde Pier Head to Smallbrook Junction, which is then just a few minutes walk along a footpath to the edge of the wood. This offers a rare advantage of arriving at the woods without relying on the need for a car.

Driving is also a convenient option, in particular by ferry from Portsmouth Harbour to Fishbourne which is then only fifteen minutes or so to the wood.

The newly renovated track provides easy vehicle access to within the boundary of the wood. The wood is a private area and there are no public footpaths running through it.

Despite its proximity and easy access from the mainland, The Isle of Wight has a distinct character and identity of its own. Its broad appeal lies in the variety of its early history. It is world renown as a centre of dinosaur study, having yielded up many important finds for academics in this field over the years. This theme is celebrated across the island and is fascinating opportunity to learn more of our prehistory and wildlife from this period in different ways, from theme parks to guided walks and museum collections.