| RIVER VALLEYS |
Riverside walks, wetland wildlife and estuaries |
| Winding their way from hillside springs, through pasture, arable field and marsh to the sea, the rivers have been the most influential natural factor in the form and appearance of the Island's landscape. Today, they can be explored via the network of paths and tracks which follow their course. |
 Western Yar |
The River Medina, Anglo-Saxon for "middle", divides the Island neatly in half. From its source near Chale, it drains rich, cattle-grazed pastures and arable fields before reaching the county town of Newport. From here to Cowes, where it enters the Solent, it is estuarine, with open mudflats and wild marshes of international conservation importance that provide a safe haven to thousands of waterfowl. |
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Both banks up to Newport are accessible but the cycleway along the west bank probably offers the most spectacular views of the estuary and the Local Nature Reserve of Dodnor Creek. A good starting point for walkers and cyclists is the Medina Riverside Park with car park and picnic site. The Eastern Yar drains much of the South and East Wight. It meanders through important wetland habitats, refuges to plants such as ragged robin and yellow flag iris and dragonflies like the emperor and golden-ringed. Owls scour the marshes for voles near Alverstone Barn and kingfishers dart from overhanging branches for sticklebacks in the river. The old railway line from Arreton to Sandown is now a right-of-way and offers the best views of this lowland landscape but there are paths which follow the river in both directions, to its source and to the sea. Take time to discover the rural and picturesque villages of Niton, Newchurch and Alverstone. Wootton Creek in the east is overlooked by the creekside footpaths of Firestone Copse, providing views of the Island's largest heronry. |