FRESHWATER BAY
Birdwatching in the footsteps of Jimi Hendrix!
One of the charming things about a bijou county like the Isle of Wight is the variety of its topography and its birds, all packaged within an island context, which adds to the possibilities for birdwatching. This walk can be connected to the best-known walk on the island, but is a decent three-mile wander in its own right. It’s interesting at all times of year because that key word ‘variety’ plays its tune. There’s farmland, town streets with mature gardens to appease any urban birder, three reedbeds of differing size, as well as tidal mudflats and woodland. Oh, and that doesn’t include the chance to sit out of any unfriendly wind in a shelter across from the car park for a spot of modest seawatching! Aim for 40-plus species on this relatively level walk and you’ll be unlikely to dip too low! There’s history here, too – recent history at that. For the final mile, you’ll be traipsing the downland where the famous 1970 rock festival caused such waves. Indeed, 500m along the lane from the car park and before you reach one of England’s few thatched churches, you’ll find Jimi Hendrix peering down at you from a statue at Dimbola Lodge! Whenever I choose somewhere different from my regular patches, I always make the effort to drive and enjoy what this delight offers. The occasional Bar-tailed Godwit in autumn often adds to my enjoyment, but there’s plenty here in a couple of hours or so. Try it for yourself.