Shepherd's Chine facts for kids
Shepherd's Chine is a special valley on the southwest coast of the Isle of Wight, England. It is found west of a small village called Little Atherfield. A "chine" is a steep, narrow valley, often carved by a stream flowing down to the sea.
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What is Shepherd's Chine?
Shepherd's Chine is one of the biggest chines on the Isle of Wight. It starts near the A3055 Military Road. From there, it stretches about 500 meters (about half a kilometer) west. It ends at the beach in Brighstone Bay, just north of Atherfield Point.
How is it Different?
This chine has much gentler slopes than many other chines on the Isle of Wight. It is also covered with lots of tough bushes, scrub, and wild grasses. This makes it look different from the very steep, bare cliffs you might see elsewhere.
The Stream and Old Pump House
The chine helps drain water from the flat farmland around Little Atherfield. A small stream flows through it. In the past, this stream's water was collected behind a small dam. Then, it was pumped back onto the nearby farms to help water the crops.
You can still see the remains of the old reservoir (where the water was stored). The pump house, with its pump still inside, stands about halfway along the chine. Just like the stream at Grange/Marsh Chine, once this stream reaches the pebble beach, it soaks into the ground and disappears.
Exploring the Area
To the west of Shepherd's Chine, you will find the Atherfield Bay Holiday Centre. This center has a campsite and small cabins called chalets. It's a popular spot for visitors.
The Isle of Wight Coastal Path is a walking trail that goes all around the island's coast. This path crosses Shepherd's Chine near the old pump house. It offers great views of the chine and the sea.
