Brading Down Walk
The second walk took place on Saturday 21st May 2022 with a three and a half mile round trip with 7,960 steps achieved and 341 K calories burnt.
The group enjoyed a gentle walk across Brading Down to view Sandown and Shanklin Bay and the Arreton Valley. They crossed over the main road to walk along Nunwell Down and view the Solent. Heading through a copse group members were able to stop and watch a red squirrel in the trees.
The Seek Nature App was used throughout the walk to identify and learn about the plants and flowers discovered along the route.
Brading Down is one of the Island’s most popular sites for recreation, picnicking and wildlife watching. It offers panoramic views, a wealth of habitats to explore and opportunities for everyone to enjoy the countryside. It lies at the eastern end of the Island’s iconic central chalk ridge and is within the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Brading Down Local Nature Reserve extends both sides of the main road running along the ridge, and the views both ways are equally stunning. The reserve is worth a visit to see chalk downland flowers, butterflies and birds of prey. Bulleys Quarry is a peaceful retreat to have a barbecue away from the crowds.
We were joined by members of the Asian Group UK who were visiting the island from the mainland, as well as Rachael Ardley who is the IW Gift to Nature Engagement Officer.
Rachael is developing reasons for visiting the great outdoors including outdoor events, activities and trails at the Gift to Nature sites. She enjoyed meeting everyone and is keen to join future walks and to develop working with the Green Time programme.
Pictures from the day
Natural Enterprise
Natural Enterprise is an Island-based charity delivering a range of activities to support the local rural economy and natural environment. It includes the Gift to Nature initiative. Gift to Nature maintains about 30 green spaces around the Isle of Wight, caring for the Island’s wildlife while encouraging people to explore our wonderful countryside.
Green Time walks have visited Gift to Nature Sites and the walk next month also visits one of their sites.
Useful Links
- Seek Nature App for Android and Apple phones by iNaturalist
- Gift to Nature
- Brading Down Nature Reserve leaflet (pdf)
- Brading DownGift to Nature web page including leaflets
- Brading Down fauna and flora (pdf)
- Everyone taking part in the Green Time Walks is asked and encouraged to read the Safety Brief, Countryside Code and Dog Walking Code.