Brighstone Forest facts for kids
Brighstone Forest is a wonderful place located on the Isle of Wight, a beautiful island off the south coast of England. It's the biggest forest on the island, covering a huge area of land. Imagine a forest that's just a bit larger than Parkhurst Forest – that's Brighstone! This forest isn't flat; it spreads across several hilly areas that are like the "backbone" of the Isle of Wight.
Exploring Brighstone Forest
Brighstone Forest is made up of several connected hills, or "downs," that stretch from west to east. These include Chessell Down, Westover Down, Brighstone Down, Newbarn Down, Rowborough Down, and Idlecombe Down. Each of these downs adds to the forest's unique landscape, offering different paths and views.
The main way to enter the forest is found at a spot called grid reference SZ 419849. The forest is also very close to the charming small town of Brighstone. This area is so special that it's part of the Isle of Wight AONB, which stands for Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This means the landscape is protected because of its amazing scenery and wildlife.
Shalcombe Down: A Nearby Woodland
Just to the west of the main Brighstone Forest, you'll find another important section of woodland called Shalcombe Down. It's like a smaller, separate part of the forest family. You can find its entrance at grid reference SZ 395852.
Who Looks After the Forest?
Both Brighstone Forest and Shalcombe Down are carefully looked after by the Forestry Commission. This is a government department that manages forests and woodlands across England. They don't own the land, but they manage it through special agreements called leaseholds. Together, these two woodlands cover a total area of 482 hectares. That's a lot of trees and space for nature to thrive! The Forestry Commission works hard to keep the forest healthy and safe for both wildlife and visitors.
