Borthwood Copse facts for kids
Borthwood Copse is a beautiful woodland area located near Sandown on the Isle of Wight, England. It is owned and protected by the National Trust, a charity that looks after special places. This copse is one of many small woods that were once part of a much larger medieval forest covering the eastern side of the island.
Borthwood Copse is found near the village of Newchurch. It's also close to the small communities of Apse Heath, Queen's Bower, and Alverstone. Long ago, Borthwood Copse was a royal hunting ground. In 1926, a man named Frank Morey gave the land to the National Trust. He had bought it earlier to help protect its wildlife. Over time, more land was added, and now the copse covers about 60 acres (240,000 m2).
Trees and Plants
Borthwood Copse is home to many different kinds of trees. You can find very old oak trees here. There is also a special group of beech trees. These stand among areas of sweet chestnut and hazel trees. These trees are managed using a method called coppicing. This means cutting trees close to the ground so they grow new shoots. This helps keep the woodland healthy.
The copse is one of the few places on the Isle of Wight where you can see this traditional way of managing woodlands. Many paths and a bridleway (a path for horses and walkers) wind through the wood. These paths are open for everyone to explore.
Best Times to Visit
Borthwood Copse is a popular place to visit, especially during certain times of the year. In the autumn, the leaves on the trees turn bright, beautiful colours. This makes for a stunning view. In the springtime, the ground is covered with a carpet of purple bluebells. It's a truly magical sight!
Wildlife in the Copse
Borthwood Copse is a great place to spot wildlife. It's one of the many spots on the eastern Isle of Wight where you can see lots of Red Squirrels. These cute animals are quite special.
Other animals living in the wood include tiny dormice. You might also see different kinds of bats flying around at dusk. Many small creatures, called invertebrates, also make their home here.
Exploring the Landscape
Because Borthwood Copse is located on the downs (rolling hills), much of the area is hilly. If it has been raining, some parts of the soil can get very wet. This can make walking through the copse a bit tricky.
Within the wood, there is a special spot called Kite Hill. From this viewpoint, you can look east and catch a glimpse of Culver Down and the sparkling sea. On clear days, as you climb the small hill, you might even see Bembridge Windmill in the distance.
