This map is based on Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. 100019229 2008.

Opportunity area description

The complex of woods in the Briddlesford area, which are linked by hedgerows to the wooded area of the Osborne estate.

Joint Character Area/Landscape descriptive unit

Isle of Wight Joint Character Area: Northern woodlands, traditional enclosed pasture, Osborne coast, Landscape Improvement Area.

Landscape types

A well wooded landscape in the vicinity of Wootton and the Osborne Estate, linked by hedgerows in the more open area to the west of Wootton. Predominantly pasture, but with some large arable fields.

Geology (bedrock)

Hamstead beds, Bembridge Marls, Headon and Osborne Beds with a thin band of Bembridge Limestone.

Geology (superficial)

Alluvium in the river valleys with some river terrace deposits.

Topography (landform)

Gently undulating landscape crossed by a series of small streams flowing south –north through shallow valleys. The Palmers Brook flows into an estuarine environment at King’s Quay and the Blackbridge Brook flows into Wootton Creek, which is heavily used by recreational sailors and a cross-Solent ferry.

Biodiversity ( BAP habitat, Designated sites UK BAP Species)

SSSIs : King’s Quay Shore, Ryde Sands & Wootton Creek, Briddlesford Copses

SINCs: Springhill/Western Wood, Osborne Estate, Clavell’s Copse, Woodhouse Copse, Lushington Copse, Fattingpark Copse, Quarrel’s Copse, Wallishill Copse, Horseground Copse, Aldeen’s Copse, Woodside Copse, Fernhill Wood, The Old Mill Pond Wootton, New Copse, Quarr Old Abbey, Quarr Wood, Pucker’s Copse, Firestone Copse, Steyne’s Copse, The Keys Wood, Rowlands Wood, Kittenocks, Walkershill Copse, Combley Great Wood, Staplers Heath

BAP habitat

• Lowland mixed deciduous woodland
• Ancient/Species rich hedgerows
• Saltmarsh
• Mudflats
• Vegetated shingle
• Reedbed

UK BAP Species

Woodland Bats; Red Squirrel; Dormouse; Curlew (wintering); Black-tailed godwit (wintering); Lapwing (wintering); Brent goose (wintering); Water vole; White admiral; Dingy Skipper; Marsh tit; Prickly saltwort.

Access

Limited public access at present. Public rights of way network crosses many of the woodlands but this does not extend across the Osborne Estate.

Targets – main opportunities

• Woodland management for mammals and butterflies
• Hedgerow management
• High tide roosts for waterbirds

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