Compton Bay facts for kids
Compton Bay is a beautiful bay on the southwest side of the Isle of Wight, England. It's a popular spot known for its amazing natural features.
On one side, you'll see the striking white chalk cliff of Freshwater Cliff. This cliff is named after nearby Freshwater Bay. On the other side, the bay has soft red and orange rocks. These rocks are from a very old time called the lower cretaceous period. They are slowly wearing away, which changes the shape of the coastline.
The cliffs above Compton Bay are home to a thriving natural ecosystem. Because animals don't graze here, many native plants and insects can grow freely. You can find the Island's county flower, the pyramidal orchid, here. Also, the rare Glanville fritillary butterfly lives in large numbers, supported by these native flowers. Other tough plants like common gorse bushes and wild cabbage also grow well here.
The bay is a favorite place for wave and kite surfers. This is because of the great waves that form when the wind blows from the southwest. The beach itself is mostly sandy and slopes gently into the sea. There are some hidden rocks under the water. At high tide, the sea covers almost the entire beach. The car park and public facilities are owned by the National Trust. This organization also owns the coastal land around the bay. The Isle of Wight Coastal Path runs along the cliffs, offering amazing views of the bay.
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Discovering Dinosaur Footprints
Compton Bay is a fantastic place to explore dinosaur history! When the tide is low, you can see real dinosaur footprints on the beach. This makes it one of the best spots to see evidence of the dinosaurs of the Isle of Wight. Many people who love fossils come here to search for smaller fossils on the beach. It's like a treasure hunt from millions of years ago!
The Afton Down Obelisk
High up on Afton Down, between Brook and Freshwater Bay, you'll find a small obelisk. This tall, narrow monument looks out over Compton Bay. It was put there to remember a 15-year-old boy named E.L.M. He sadly fell from the cliff in 1846.
The obelisk has words carved into it that remind us about life and memory. It says:
"E.L.M. Aged 15
He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down.
He fleeth also as a shadow and continueth not.
Erected in remembrance of a most dear and only child who was suddenly removed into eternity by a fall from the adjacent cliff on the rocks below.
28th August 1846."
Each side of the obelisk also has short sayings from the Bible. These sayings talk about life and what happens after we pass away.
Surfing at Compton Bay
Compton Bay is the most famous surf spot on the Isle of Wight. It offers different types of waves for surfers. There's a rocky area where waves break, and a sandy area with slightly calmer but still powerful waves. This makes it the top choice for island surfers. Many of the island's best surfers have enjoyed riding the waves here. Some of these talented surfers include Johnny Fryer, Joe Trueman, Dave Gray, Ray Hutchings, Alan Reed, Dylan Gray, and Zoe Sheath.
Images for kids
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Compton Bay looking north west to Tennyson Down
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Shore at the southern end of Compton Bay
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Low tide at Hanover Point
