Southern branch IFM has been a little subdued recently but are looking for new members to get involved, organize events and rejuvenate the branch.

Seagulls on the Isle of Wight by D-J Gent

The area includes famous chalkstream trout fisheries and also contain endangered but valuable populations of salmon. The Isle of Wight, the South Downs and the New Forest are major tourist attractions. The coastline contains high levels of population, major ports of national significance, bathing beaches and shell fisheries. Large parts of the south have conservation statutory designations to protect wetlands, bird populations and the unique chalk stream river valleys rich with wildlife and species of plants. A diverse range of industry and a thriving commercial sector applying pressure to the natural resources.