Foreland, Isle of Wight facts for kids
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Foreland (sometimes called Forelands) is the most eastern point of the Isle of Wight. It is part of the village of Bembridge. This area is about 6.5 miles south of Portsmouth on the British mainland. The Solent separates Foreland from the mainland.
At Foreland, you can find a pub called the Crab and Lobster Inn. There are also many beach huts, a beach cafe, and a coastguard lookout. Just offshore are the reefs of Bembridge Ledge. This area is full of sea creatures like crabs, lobsters, and shoals of mackerel. The Crab & Lobster Inn has old photos of many shipwrecks that happened nearby.
Exploring Foreland
Foreland also includes an area called Foreland Fields. This spot was once known for shipwrecks and even some historical smuggling. Today, it is a popular place for fishing, especially for crabs and lobsters. There is also a Coastguard Station here, which helps keep people safe at sea.
Bembridge Ledge
The Bembridge Ledge is a reef in the sea near Foreland. It is a great place for marine life. A special channel through the Ledges is known as "Dickie Dawes Gut." This name comes from a famous local smuggler named Dickie Dawes. He was known for using his excellent knowledge of the local waters to escape from tax officers.
History and Nature
During the Second World War, a small concrete shelter called a pillbox was built at Foreland. It was part of the coastal defenses. Today, it is part of the sea defenses.
The beach at Foreland has sand and stones. You can often find Cretaceous fossils in these stones. These are remains of ancient plants and animals from millions of years ago. The cliffs nearby are also home to interesting plants like Horsetails ferns.
