May 2012

Saturday 5
Wildlife of the Wydcombe Estate 9am to 12 noon

A chance of spotting some spring migrant birds with our local bird expert. Moderate with some stiles and steps. Sturdy boots recommended. Bring binoculars if you have them. Sorry, no dogs. Leader National Trust Tel 741020 Meet To be advised when booking Cost Free, but donations to the National Trust are welcomed.

Saturday 5
Compton Bay and Downs: A Walk Back in Time 12.30pm to 4pm

Join in on this linear walk to discover what the rocks can reveal about life millions of years ago and how the landscape has changed. Booking essential. Car share to Freshwater Bay car park for the start of the walk (arrangements to be confirmed when booking). Then at the end of the walk, cars left at Brook Chine will be used to take people back to Freshwater Bay. Sorry, no dogs.
Leader National Trust Tel 741020 Meet Brook Chine car park GR 387 836
Duration Approx 3 miles Cost Free, but donations to the National Trust are welcomed.

Saturday 5
Walks from Rails: Ferry to Ferry 6pm

A coastal stroll between the ferries at Ryde Pier Head and Fishbourne via old Binstead and Quarr. Do it both ways on foot or as part of a round ferry trip from/to Portsmouth.
Leader Adrian Searle Tel 615636 Meet Ryde Pier Head railway station
Duration 6 miles/3 hours Cost Optional donation to Lucie Blackman Trust.

Sunday 6
Wildflowers and Butterflies of Brighstone Forest and Downs

10am to 12 noon
A guided walk to show the diversity of the wildflowers and butterflies of the woods and downs. Booking essential. Adults only. Leader Irene Fletcher, West Wight Landscape Partnership Tel 759779 or email irene.fletcher@iow.gov.uk Meet Jubilee car park, Brighstone Cost Free, part of Adult Learning week.

Monday 7
Red Squirrel Safari 3.30pm

Meet Fort Victoria car park, lasts approx 1 and half hours- distance is about a mile and a half. Suggested donation £2 to Red Squirrel Trust. Walk Leader Helen Butler of the Red Squirrel Trust. (NB this is a correction to the printed publication, which does not show the correct details for this walk)

Monday 7
A Very Tiny Walk in a Little, Little Wood 6pm

Explore new community woodland in East Cowes. Learn how proposed management will help wildlife and make a pleasant place. Be amazed by the wildlife thriving in a small urban space. Leader Carol Flux Tel 535888 Meet Outside pedestrian entrance of Waitrose (PO32 6RL)

Tuesday 8
Ashey Amble 2pm to 4pm

Enjoy the wonderful views of the surrounding landscape on this guided walk over the chalk downland and through the Wildlife Trust’s woodland reserve of Eaglehead and Bloodstone copses. Stout footwear required. Several stiles, uphill walk. Sorry, no dogs. Leader Wildlife Trust Tel 760018 Meet Large lay-by at the foot of Ashey Down
GR 575 874 Cost Free, but donations to the Wildlife Trust are welcomed.

Tuesday 8
Walks from Rails: To the Manor Borne! 2pm

This circular afternoon walk in rural Wight links Carisbrooke with Swainston Manor via a section of the old railway route through Upper Watchingwell – station for the manor. Leader Adrian Searle Tel 615636 Meet Gunville Road, Carisbrooke (footpath N83)
Duration 7 miles/4 hours Cost Optional donation to Lucie Blackman Trust.

Tuesday 8
Spring Flowers and Butterflies on Tennyson Down, 2pm to 4.30pm

Join our local ranger for a walk looking at the flowers and butterflies on this dramatic stretch of downland. This is a moderately strenuous walk with a short but steep descent. There are four kissing gates and it can be muddy if wet. Sorry, no dogs. Leader National Trust Tel 741020 Meet Highdown chalk pit NT car park GR 325 855
Duration Approximately 3 miles Cost Free, but donations to National Trust are welcomed.

Wednesday 9
Newtown Dawn Chorus 5am to 7am

This is a gentle stroll through the meadows and woods, followed by breakfast of cofee and croissants. Experience the dawn chorus and see the sun rise over Newtown Harbour. No knowledge of bird song required just the ability to get up early.
Bring binoculars if you have them. Booking essential. Gentle level walking through meadows, muddy if wet. Sorry, no dogs.
Leader National Trust Tel 741020 Meet Newtown Old Town Hall car park GR 423 906
Duration About 1 mile Cost £6 to include breakfast.

Wednesday 9
Heathland Haven 10.30am to 1pm

A walk through the countryside at Cranmore to look at the wildlife, such as small pearl bordered fritillary butterflies and nightingales, including the Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve at Ningwood Common.
Wellies advisable. Five stiles to negotiate. Sorry, no dogs.
Leader Gareth Shelley Tel 760018 Meet Ningwood Recycling Centre GR 401 892
Cost Free, but donations to the Wildlife Trust are welcomed.

Wednesday 9
Newtown Range and Jersey Camp 10am for 10.30am start

A guided walk around part of a conservation site on a military training area. Early sightings of green-winged orchids may be possible, plus bluebells and other wildlife to see. Mostly on paths, but stout footwear/wellingtons needed. Limited
wheelchair access. Sorry, no dogs.
Leader Range Officer and Conservation Group members Tel 523503 Meet Jersey Camp,
Locks Green, Porchfeld PO30 4PF GR 443 907 Cost Donation to Conservation Fund.

Thursday 10
Walks from Rails: Lake Common 6pm

Undemanding cross-country ramble from Sandown to Shanklin via Lake Common and Lower Hyde, returning to Sandown station by train from Shanklin.
Leader Adrian Searle Tel 615636 Meet Sandown railway station
Duration 3.5 miles/2.5 hours Cost Optional donation to Lucie Blackman Trust.


Thursday 10
Spring on the Downs 7.30pm to 9.30pm

A walk around the Wildlife Trust’s chalk grassland reserve to look at the fascinating wildlife and history of this prominent local landscape. A family activity but children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Maximum three children per adult. Wear wellies or stout footwear. Sorry, no dogs.
Leader Wildlife Trust Tel 760018 Meet Park at Arreton village near the White Lion pub GR
533 867 Cost Free, but donations to the Wildlife Trust are welcomed.

Friday 11
A Secret Flora 10.30am to 12.30pm

A walk from Havenstreet to a secluded botanical jewel including ancient woodland and flower-rich meadows. Stout footwear required. Sorry, no dogs.
Leader Richard Grogan Tel 760016 Meet Details of venue will be given on booking
Cost Free, but donations to the Wildlife Trust are welcomed.

Friday 11
A Secret Flora 2pm to 4pm

A walk from Havenstreet to a secluded botanical jewel including ancient woodland and flower-rich meadows. Stout footwear required. Sorry, no dogs.
Leader Richard Grogan Tel 760016 Meet Details of venue will be given on booking
Cost Free, but donations to the Wildlife Trust are welcomed.

Saturday 12
Walks from Rails: A Trail of Two Junctions 10.30am

A delightful rural ramble in central Wight linking the former rail junctions at Newport and Merstone via the old railway trackbed and adjacent countryside. Bring a picnic.
Leader Adrian Searle Tel 615636 Meet Medina Railway Tavern, Newport
Duration 8 miles/6 hours Cost Optional donation to Lucie Blackman Trust.

Monday 14
Knight-on the Downs 10.30am to 1pm

A walk across Knighton Down to look at the history, wildlife and views of downland and actively managed woodland. Stout footwear required. Sorry, no dogs.
Leader Wildlife Trust Tel 760018 Meet Large lay-by at the foot of Ashey Down GR 575 874
Cost Free, but donations to the Wildlife Trust are welcomed.

Tuesday 15
Over the Underclif 12 noon to 2.30pm

A circular walk to look at the wildlife of the Undercliff including the Wight Nature Fund’s reserve at Pelham Woods and the Wildlife Trust’s nature reserve at St Lawrence Field. Stout footwear required.
Sorry, no dogs.
Leader Richard Grogan Tel 760016 Meet Opposite St Lawrence Village Hall GR 540 768
Cost Free, but donations to the Wildlife Trust are welcomed.

Wednesday 16
Discover Culver Down 2pm to 4.30pm

An interesting circular walk exploring some of the local history and Island heritage, with some stunning views along the way. Dogs on leads welcome. Moderate, with some stiles and steps. Sturdy boots recommended.
Leader National Trust Tel 741020 Meet Outside Bembridge Windmill GR 639 874. Parking is very limited, please park in Steyne Road car park. Cost Free, but donations to the National Trust are welcomed.

Wednesday 16
Walks from Rails: The Solent Tunnel 6pm

Follows the former railway line between Yarmouth and Freshwater, passing the proposed junction site for the Victorian Solent Tunnel scheme, returning via west bank of the Yar.
Leader Adrian Searle Tel 615636 Meet Yarmouth (old) railway station
Duration 4 miles/3 hours Cost Optional donation to Lucie Blackman Trust.

Wednesday 16
Botany and Battery at Bouldnor Forest 7.30pm to 9.30pm

A walk through Bouldnor Forest to look at the flora, fauna and archaeology of this historic part of the north coast of the Island. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult (maximum three children per adult). Wear wellies, waterproofs and old clothes. Sorry, no dogs. Booking desirable.
Leader Gareth Shelley Tel 760018 Meet Follow track from main road to forest parking site near Bouldnor Forest Centre (entrance of Yarmouth Road, Newport) GR 378 896
Cost Free, but donations to the Wildlife Trust are welcomed.

Thursday 17
A Secret Garden 10.30am to 12.30pm

A walk through riverside woodlands and flower-rich meadows looking at wildlife and management in this private reserve. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Maximum three children per adult. Wear wellies or stout footwear. Sorry, no dogs. Numbers are limited for this event so booking is essential.
Leader Richard Grogan Tel 760016 Meet Advised on booking (north-west Wight)
Cost Free, but donations to the Wildlife Trust are welcomed.

Thursday 17
A Secret Garden 2pm to 4pm

A walk through riverside woodlands and flower-rich meadows looking at wildlife and management in this private reserve. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Maximum three children per adult. Wear wellies or stout footwear. Sorry, no dogs. Numbers are limited for this event so booking is essential.
Leader Richard Grogan Tel 760016 Meet Advised on booking (north-west Wight)
Cost Free, but donations to the Wildlife Trust are welcomed.

Thursday 17
Newport Mill Trail with Bill Shepard 12 noon to 2.30pm

Island historian Bill Shepard explains the heritage of Newport’s rivers, visiting the sites of some of the many mills that once flourished along the Medina and the Lukely Brook. Gentle walk but comfy shoes recommended. Booking recommended.
Leader Bill Shepard and Claire Hector Tel 535841 Meet Near the propeller and benches opposite Quay Arts GR 502 895 Cost Free, but donations to Gift to Nature are welcomed.

Thursday 17
Red Squirrel Secrets 3pm

Helen will show you how to increase your chances of seeing a red squirrel. The length of walk and time is down to the squirrels! Leader Helen Butler, Wight Squirrel Project Tel 611003 Meet Bus stop, which is by an entrance to Borthwood Copse, Apse Heath; number 8 bus stops here GR 566 842
Cost £5 to cover cost of pack of written materials to take away.

Friday 18
Walks from Rails: Coastal Ryde 6pm

A gentle evening stroll ‘on the flat’ to Seaview and back. Follows the historically-rich north-east Wight coastline with route variations on the return leg. Suitable for wheelchairs/pushchairs.
Leader Adrian Searle Tel 615636 Meet Ryde Esplanade railway station
Duration 4.5 mile /3 hours Cost Optional donation to Lucie Blackman Trust.

Saturday 19
Walks from Rails: Reclamation 10.30am

A circular walk through the history of Brading Haven’s reclamation from the sea, following the route of the old Bembridge branch line, returning via mysterious Centurion’s Copse.
Leader Adrian Searle Tel 615636 Meet Brading railway station
Duration 6.5 mile /5 hours Cost Optional donation to Lucie Blackman Trust.

Saturday 19
Riverfest 11am to 4pm

Come along to Newport’s Riverfest where the heritage, community, businesses and wildlife associated with the historic River Medina will be celebrated on this fun, family event with local food and entertainment.
Leader Footprint Trust Tel 822282 Meet Newport Quay Cost Free

Sunday 20
Spring Walk and Steam Trains 10am to 12.30pm

Join PTES for a guided walk around its beautiful ancient woodland, Briddlesford, and learn about spring time flora and fauna. Then hop on the adjoining award-winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway for a return journey through Briddlesford Woods.
Over 12s only. Maximum of ten places so booking essential.
Leader Ian White, People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES)
Tel 020 7498 4533 or www.ptes.org/events Meet Havenstreet railway station GR 556 897
Cost £8 PTES supporter, £10 non-supporter.

Sunday 20
Discover Culver Down 2pm to 4pm

An interesting circular walk exploring some of the local history and Island heritage, with some stunning views along the way. Dogs on leads welcome. Moderate, with some stiles and steps. Sturdy boots recommended.
Leader National Trust Tel 741020 Meet Outside Bembridge Windmill GR 639 874. Parking is very limited, please park in Steyne Road car park. Cost Free, but donations to the National Trust are welcomed.

Thursday 24
Behind the Scenes at Yarmouth Harbour 10am

Find out more about the workings of Yarmouth Harbour and the surrounding landscape on this guided walk. Booking essential. Leader Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners Tel 760321
Meet Details given on booking. Cost Free, but donations to charity are welcomed.

Saturday 26
Netting Newts 10.30am

A walk to ponds old and new in Parkhurst Forest to look for newts,
tadpoles and other watery wildlife. A family activity but children
must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Maximum three children
per adult. Wear wellies or stout footwear. Sorry, no dogs.
Leader Richard Grogan Tel 760016 Meet Park at Forestry Commission car park GR 479 899
Cost Free, but donations to the Wildlife Trust are welcomed.

Wednesday 30
Wonderful Wetlands 2pm to 4pm

A walk around the Wildlife Trust’s newest nature reserve at Sandown to find more about the wildlife of this wonderful wetland habitat and about how the site will be managed for wildlife and people. Wear wellies or stout footwear. Sorry, no dogs.
Leader Wildlife Trust Tel 760018 Meet Entrance to Sandown to Newport cycleway,
Perowne Way GR 594 849 Cost Free, but donations to the Wildlife Trust are welcomed.



Page last updated on: 25/04/2012