Southern Vectis | Island Focus

Around half the island is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 30 miles of the coast as Heritage coast. Lichen found on the Downs is of special botanical significance, and there are two woodland flowers in particular that thrive on the island. These are the wood calamint and the much more well-known wild columbine.

The island is home to 27 species of orchid, most of which are common varieties, but there are some less well-known types such as the pyramidal orchid and the bee orchid. The pyramidal orchid was named the Isle of Wight's county flower in a competition in 2002.

The Garlic Festival features the Isle of Wight's Golden Clove, an island garlic clove which is found in abundance. On 15-16 August the 2009 Garlic Festival will be held at the garlic festival site near Arreton.

You’ll find a lot of plants on display at Ventnor Botanic Gardens. The gardens are in the Undercliff, protected from the north and east by the chalk downs.

A rainfall of 790mm and a climate similar to the Mediterranean means a wide variety of plants to be grown, some too fragile for much of mainland Britain.
Recently, the bloom of the rare Early Gentian has been found. The Isle of Wight has 46 biodiversity actions planned, to encourage animal and plant-life to flourish.

There are three estuaries - the Medina, the Eastern Yar and Western Yar,
all with complex ecosystems supporting a wide range of habitats and species.

They extend from the upper tidal limit of the river down to the sea, and form a constantly changing environment where freshwater and marine systems interact.

There are 37 known mammal species on the island. Most common are rabbits, hares, hedgehogs, badgers and foxes, and a few Otters that have crossed the Solent. There are 10 varieties of bats. The bats and the dormouse are protected species.

The Isle of Wight is one of the few places in England where the red squirrel is still flourishing. Its population is stable, as there are no grey squirrels on the island.

You’ll see many varieties of butterfly, including the Adonis Blue and the Chalk Hill Blue but, more importantly, the island is the only known location in the whole of Britain of the Glanville Fritillary. It can be found along the island’s south east cliffs from late spring.

There are many garden birds such
as robins, starlings, blackbirds and the like, with more colourful types such as green and great spotted woodpeckers, and the usual seagulls, cormorants and migratory birds such as Canada Geese, Grebes and
other waders.

The Barn Owl is a common sight, although the Tawny Owl is not seen on the Island. Peregrine Falcons and buzzards are also resident, and a spectacular sight to see as they hunt for prey.

The Western Yar estuary is a very important area for nature conservation. Amazingly for such a small area, it is protected by 6 different designations under National and International law, which shows just how important
this area is.

The River Yar rises in Afton Marsh Local Nature Reserve, strangely not far the beach at Freshwater Bay on the southern side. It flows north to Yarmouth, and most of the river is actually a tidal estuary and designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is part of a large area of a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest.

There is a 6.1km (3.8 mile) circular walk around the River Yar this is a mainly flat walk, which should be within the capabilities for most walkers. Starting from the car park, the footpath follows the old railway line which was operational from 1889-1953.

You cross the bridge on The Causeway from the east side of the estuary to the west of the river and walk down the Freshwater Way, through Saltern Wood back to Yarmouth.

The mudflats are home to snails, shellfish, shrimps and marine worms (rag worms and lug worms) which attract various species of waterfowl and waders including Redshank, Curlew, Dunlin, Godwit, Brent geese, and Oystercatchers.

Apart from the birds you may see Red Squirrel, so keep your eyes open why not see how many different types of wildlife you can see, it could be a fun packed educational walk for all members of the family.

These buses will get you to Western Yar estuary.
Click on a route number for full details.