Wildheart Animal Sanctuary plans unveiled to create elk rewilded wetlands and research school.

Plans to create an International School of Rewilding (ISR) featuring elk on the Isle of Wight have been backed by councillors.

Sandown Town Council is supporting the proposal from Wildheart Trust for a 140 hectare (345 acre) site with elk-rewilded wetlands and visitor facilities.

Chief executive of the trust, Lawrence Bates, told councillors the school would create the “most amazing wildlife spectacle” and “drive people into the area”.