Brading Down facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brading Down |
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Brading Down, looking southwest towards Ventnor
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 123 m (404 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Isle of Wight, England |
| OS grid | SZ595869 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 196 |
Brading Down is a beautiful chalk hill located southwest of Brading on the Isle of Wight in England. This important hill offers amazing views over Sandown Bay, where you can see towns like Shanklin and Sandown. It is also a special place called a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's protected for its wildlife and natural beauty.
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Exploring Brading Down
Brading Down is a mix of private and public land. Some parts are used for farming or have a covered water reservoir. But a large part, about 35 hectares (that's like 86 football fields!), is open for everyone to enjoy. The Isle of Wight Council owns this public land, and a group called Gift to Nature helps manage it.
Accessing the Down
Even though some areas are fenced for grazing animals, you can still explore much of Brading Down. There are many paths for walking and horse riding. You can also find car parks along the main road that goes from Newport to Brading, making it easy to visit.
Wildlife and Nature
Brading Down is a fantastic place to see different plants and insects. The soil here is thin and chalky, which is perfect for certain types of plants.
Unique Plants
In the summer, you might spot beautiful pyramidal orchids growing here. These are special flowers that thrive in chalky soil. In recent years, people have worked to clear away some of the overgrown bushes. This helps the unique chalk grassland plants grow better.
Butterfly Haven
The down is also a great spot for butterflies! You can see many different kinds fluttering around, especially on sunny days. Some of the butterflies you might find include:
- Common blue
- Chalkhill blue
- Small skipper
- Large skipper
- Dingy skipper
- Marbled white
- Gatekeeper
- Meadow brown
History and Archaeology
Brading Down isn't just important for its nature; it also has a rich history! You can find clues about people who lived here long, long ago.
Ancient Farmlands
One of the most interesting historical features is an ancient field system. This is a Scheduled monument, which means it's a very important historical site protected by law. It's the best example of old farm fields on the entire Isle of Wight. Experts believe these fields were used during the late Iron Age or Roman times. It shows us how people farmed the land thousands of years ago.
Roman Connections
Not far from Brading Down, you can visit the Brading Roman Villa. This was once a large Roman farmhouse, and it helps us imagine what life was like for the Romans who lived near these ancient fields.
More Recent History
As you explore the slopes of the down, you might also find signs of more recent history. There are practice trenches from the First World War and old chalk pits. These show how the land has been used and changed over time, even in the last century.
