The Grapevine Late Summer 2019 Grapevine Aug-Sep 2019 v2 | Page 19

group of rocks in the world and
one image of the Isle of Wight I
shall never forget.
It is of course a UNESCO site,
with International Dark Skies
status, confirming the south-west
coast as amongst the best in the
world for stargazing.
Gardening enthusiasts will also
find Britain's hottest gardens, and
if that wasn't enough to tempt a
visit, you'll also find a world
renowned fossil collection.
which can't be found anywhere
else. It's all down to the Solent
and the shelter it gives. Birds like
the Brent Goose, and Oyster-
catchers flock to the island for
the winter, and some even stay all
year round. If you are very lucky
you may spot a peregrine falcon,
but be careful not to disturb the
protected birds.
Beautiful wildlife can be spotted
in many places around the island.
These include the red squirrel in
Alverstone, or seals at Newtown
Bay, and dolphins can be seen at
Ventnor Bay. Go for a walk along
Compton Down and you may see
the Glanville Fritillary, the
island’s very own species of
butterfly. Nature is all around
you, and the island is so beautiful
where ever you look.
We can't wait to go again and
explore further!
article & photos by Pamela Green
The island is also an important
place for migrating birds. Many
of the beaches in the north of the
island are internationally
designated as part of a special
protected area for birds that are
on a long migration route. It is
the combination of habitats, salt
marshes, mud flats, grazing
marshes and high tide roosts that
make it so appealing to the birds,
and it's the ideal place for a spot
of bird watching or photography.
These areas are where you'll also
find unique plants and animals
The Grapevine

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