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| Isle
of White - Travel & Tourism
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ISLE OF WIGHT
Known as 'The Garden Isle',
this jewel of England indeed resembles a diamond in shape - being
some 23 miles west to east, from The Needles to Bembridge, and 13
miles north to south, from Cowes to St. Catherine's Point. This, the
smallest, and perhaps the most geographically diverse, of England's
counties covers just 147 square miles and is bounded by about 60 miles
of coastline. Within this watery border of the Solent to the north
and the English Channel to the south lies 'an England in miniature'.
The natural processes of deposition, folding and erosion
during the last 120 million years have resulted in the rich variety
of the Island's surface geology.
The clay soils in the north and mainly sandy loams in the south
are bisected by a chalk spine running west to east
across the entire Island, and reaching 240 metres
(787 feet) above sea level at its highest point on
St. Boniface Down. The resulting and kaleidoscopic
contrasts in the Island's scenery encompass open
downland, beech woods, conifer forests, grazing land,
wide sandy beaches, sheer chalk cliffs, rocky coves,
creeks and estuaries.
The resident population of about 150,000 is concentrated in the main
towns of the Island, all of which are coastal except for Newport -
the county town at the literal centre of the Island.
As a contrasting locality, the Island offers
unrivalled opportunities for geographical study.
Rivers
There are three rivers on the Island, all flowing from south
to north. In the centre, and almost dividing the Island in two,
the Medina rises at its source on St. Catherine's Down.
From here it flows north, to be joined by one of its tributaries,
the Merstone stream at Blackwater, before continuing its
lazy meandering until it reaches Newport Quay, where it
becomes tidal.
As it continues on its journey northwards, both banks are
lined with marine-related industries and businesses, both
service and manufacturing, while the river itself is bustling
with its water-borne traffic of working and pleasure craft.
The river reaches the Solent at its mouth where the twin towns of
Cowes are sited. This estuary is about 17 kms from the source of the
Medina.
The Island's longest river, at 27 kms is the Eastern Yar,
which also has its source on the southern chalk outcrop
of St Catherine's Down. From here it flows north-east,
through the small town of Wroxall, before slicing through
the Island's central chalk ridge at Brading, and then on to
meet the Solent at Bembridge harbour - the mouth of the
Eastern Yar estuary.
The third, and shortest river, at only 3 kms is the Western
Yar which has its source in the salt marshes only a few
hundred metres inland from Freshwater Bay - almost
making the West Wight an island in its own right. From
here it flows north to its mouth at the busy harbour town
of Yarmouth. Like its sister river in the East Wight, the course and
estuary of the Western Yar boasts reed beds, an abundance of wildlife,
an old railway causeway, and outstanding scenery.
Transport
Your visit to the Island will introduce you to both familiar and different
transport systems. The motorway or train on the mainland will be followed
by the ferry - the first experience for many children of a 'real'
ship and the sea. However, there are a variety of cross-Solent forms
of transport, aside from the ferries which ply between Lymington and
Yarmouth, Southampton and Cowes, and Portsmouth and Fishbourne. These
include hovercraft (Southsea to Ryde), passenger catamaran (Portsmouth
to Ryde & Southampton to Cowes).
On the Island, a modern electric railway operates between Ryde Pier
and Shanklin, using former London Underground stock. There is also
the chance to travel back in time on the Island's steam railway, based
at Havenstreet, and connecting with the modern line at Smallbrook
Junction. By way of further contrast, there is a crossing of the
River Medina between East and West Cowes via one of the country's
few remaining 'floating bridges', which painstakingly heaves itself
to and
fro by its chains.
There are over 500 miles of roads on the Island, and almost as many
miles of well- sign-posted footpaths and bridle-ways made up of more
than 1,400 separate public rights of way - offering ready access to
both coast and countryside
Settlement
The Island displays an enormous variety of settlement types, characterised
by the main strands of the local economy - namely tourism, farming,
and light industry - as well as a significant proportion of the population
being retired. This has resulted in a mixture of historic and modern
developments, ranging from small harbour towns to busy ports, seaside
resorts to market towns, and secluded rural villages to modern residential
estates.
Tourism is very important to the Island's present economy and
future prosperity. During the summer season the Island's population
is increased 10-fold by the influx of visitors - both long-stay and
day-trippers. Consequently, the associated service industries and
businesses are important seasonal employers. The Island's strategic
planning both reflects and recognises the major role that tourism
plays in the economic well-being of the Island.
Both agriculture and horticulture benefit from the favourable
climate and fertile soils and are also important to the Island.
As well as being employers they are also a major influence on the
appearance of the Island's countryside and its ever-changing environment.
The Island sends most of its produce to the mainland, but it is sufficient
in its own supply and production of milk and fresh vegetables - characterised
by the predominance of dairy farming (mainly in the north, and chiefly
Fresian and Holstein breeds), and market gardening (particularly around
the Arreton Valley). The greatest proportion of arable land (mainly
in the south) is given over to winter wheat and spring barley. Grass
and fodder crops account for over half of the agricultural area, which
supports the dairy, beef and sheep farming communities.
Light industry (particularly electronics -related), small
businesses, the construction industry and associated
trades, and marine- related firms (such as boat-building
and sail--making) constitute the third leg of the
Island's business economy. Although the Solent poses
certain problems for Island Industries, local businesses
have adapted to the special requirements of an island
economy, while above national average unemployment
and the seasonal nature of many jobs remain as causes
of concern to the Island and much of its population.
Weather
Surrounded by water, the Isle of Wight can be said to have
a climate of its own. With relatively mild winters, an average
annual rainfall of 76 cm (31.74 inches), and high light intensity,
the local climate borders on sub-tropical and allows many Mediterranean-type
plants and trees (even vineyards) to flourish in the open air. The
South Wight is particularly blessed in this respect, and Sandown,
Shanklin and Ventnor (the main seaside resorts on the Island's south-east
coast) regularly top the British league for recorded hours of sunshine.
Environmental Issues
The Isle of Wight, being relatively small and populous, generates
a considerable number of environmental issues, chiefly relating to
the competition for resources. The essentially tranquil and rural
nature of the Island is threatened by the needs of economic wealth
manifested in both commercial and residential development. The driving
force of wealth-generating tourism in particular can often be at odds
with the need for the conservation and protection of wildlife habitats,
areas of Special Scientific Interest, designated areas of Outstanding
Natural Beauty, and land managed by the National Trust. Marine pollution
is another 'muddy' issue, as is the old and often argued question
of a 'fixed-link' to the Mainland.
Such issues characterise this jewel of an island as it acknowledges,
and tries to reconcile, the needs of both its resident population
and seasonal guests.
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