ISLE OF WIGHT
MAX MILES ON FOOT: 14 MIN TIME : 10 HOURS
River and reedbeds, coastal cliffs and downland
Although I explored all these sites on a one-day stout walk, the different areas of Freshwater ‘island’ can also be visited by car. The western River Yar (there are two Yars on the island) rises north of Freshwater Bay, then runs north to Yarmouth, at one time making an ‘island’ of the south-west corner of the Isle of Wight. The area provides many varied habitats, and the recent reintroduction of White-tailed Sea Eagle to the Isle of Wight means that there is a fighting chance of spotting them around the coast.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 At its source, the River Yar is unusually wide, and these upper reaches are a designated SSSI. Part of this is the Afton Marsh reserve, just south-west of the Causeway and linked to it by a bridleway. Extensive reedbeds lie on the southern side of the Causeway with the open river to the other side. Look for Turnstone, numerous Black-headed and other gulls, Redshank, Coot and Mute Swan around the open water. Breeding birds on the marsh include Reed and Sedge Warbler.
2 The bridleway heading north towards Yarmouth has a good amount of tree cover. Look for various tits, Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Greenfinch and Dunnock.
3 The mudflats around the Yar’s estuary provide rich pickings. Dunlin, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit, Brent Geese, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Oystercatcher and Little Egret are all likely.
4 The coast path has suffered much in recent storms, and diversions inland are often necessary. Nonetheless, the route around the western coastline, across Headon Warren and towards the Needles, offers good walking across Stonechat and Wheatear country. Peregrine hunt above the cliffs near the Needles, and other raptors, such as Buzzard, are likely above the high land. Off the coast, watch out for Fulmar and Gannet.
