routes and attraction opening times before travelling. before times opening attraction and routes
to print, however we strongly recommend you check details of bus times, times, bus of details check you recommend strongly we however print, to
Disclaimer: All information is believed to be correct at the time of going going of time the at correct be to believed is information All Disclaimer: smartphone.
leaflet are free to access! to free are leaflet
scan the QR code with your your with code QR the scan
or or www.islandbuses.info
All the sites listed in this this in listed sites the All
to see wild birds on the Isle of Wight of Isle the on birds wild see to
of current fares visit visit fares current of
A guide to some of the best places places best the of some to guide A information and details details and information
information, latest travel travel latest information,
For full timetable timetable full For
runs round the coast from Ryde to Yarmouth. to Ryde from coast the round runs
top buses and the Island Coaster route which which route Coaster Island the and buses top
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and 48 hour Rover or seven day Freedom tickets tickets Freedom day seven or Rover hour 48 and
tickets onboard, but many visitors find the 24 24 the find visitors many but onboard, tickets For occasional travel you can buy single single buy can you travel occasional For
Image © Southern Vectis ©Southern Image
villages around the Island. Island. the around villages
between the main towns and many of the the of many and towns main the between
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the Isle of Wight with frequent services services frequent with Wight of Isle the outhern Vectis run the local buses on on buses local the run Vectis outhern
Image © Visit Isle of Wight of Isle ©Visit Image
bus-pass and get exploring! get and bus-pass
So grab your bird book, binoculars and and binoculars book, bird your grab So
their way to and from their summer nesting sites. nesting summer their from and to way their
can catch a vast array of migrants passing through on on through passing migrants of array vast a catch can
lots of overwintering birds. In spring and autumn you you autumn and spring In birds. overwintering of lots
resident birds and summer visitors. In winter there are are there winter In visitors. summer and birds resident
of year it is. In summer there are an assortment of of assortment an are there summer In is. it year of
You’ll find there are things to see whatever time time whatever see to things are there find You’ll
to by bus, though there are many more to discover. discover. to more many are there though bus, by to
favourite bird watching locations that are easy to get get to easy are that locations watching bird favourite
bird watching. This leaflet helps you find some of our our of some find you helps leaflet This watching. bird
of the best places in the country to spend some time time some spend to country the in places best the of
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to see what you can spot, the Isle of Wight is one one is Wight of Isle the spot, can you what see to BIRDS BY BUS BY BIRDS
hether you’re an avid birder or a novice wanting wanting novice a or birder avid an you’re hether BIRDS BY BUS BY BIRDS
WESTERN YAR (INC. AFTON) ST CATHERIN E’S POINT (NITON) Better by bus Hopping on a bus is a great way to see the Isle of Wight, Route: 6 Routes: 7, Needles Breezer, Island Coaster Routes: 6, whether you’re popping over as a foot passenger on one Stop: Buddle Inn Island Coaster Stop: Yarmouth Bus Station of the fast-ferries, looking for a car-free holiday or just (not all services Stop: Church Street/ fancy leaving the car behind for a relaxed day out. You call here, please Rectory Road Other travel options: Wightlink ferry from or can get to some great places and see plenty on the way, Lymington check timetable) Cowes East Cowes with some of the best views you’ll find from the top deck Ryde of a bus. Walk from stop: Walk from stop: Yarmouth Ten minutes Twenty-five minutes Get on board Newport Cowes East Cowes Buses stop outside ferry terminals at Yarmouth, Cowes, Ryde Freshwater Sandown East Cowes and Ryde Hoverport. From Fishbourne there
Shanklin Yarmouth is a ten minute walk to the nearest stop. If you arrive
he Western Yar is one of Newport at Ryde Pier Head you can either stroll down the pier Tthe Island’s two river Yars Ventnor or catch the train to the bus station. Wightlink, Red (we do it to confuse you!). It flows Freshwater Sandown Funnel and Hovertravel sell combined ferry and bus between Freshwater Bay and Yarmouth and is only about Shanklin tickets from their mainland ticket offices. Pick up a bus t the southern extremity three miles long. Around sixty per cent of its length is tidal timetable from Yarmouth, Newport or Ryde bus stations of the Isle of Wight you’ll Ventnor estuary; this makes for excellent feeding opportunities for A or download one at islandbuses.info wading birds in particular. There are many excellent places find one of the best places in to see birds along the estuary, with the old railway line on Britain to see migrating birds on Extra summer services the east side providing easy access for wheeled users. With their way to their summer breeding We like During the summer Southern Vectis runs a number of grounds. When the wind is blowing the footpath on the west side this creates a circular walk St Catherine’s visitor-focused extra services; three open-top buses - from the east or south the birds with views over the estuary. Downs Breezer, Shanklin Steamer and Needles Breezer will often stop to feed here before Lighthouse tours Species you are likely to spot on the estuary check website for dates plus the Island Coaster bus which runs along most of the continuing their journey. As well as include: Curlew, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Kingfisher, and times. Island’s coasts. Check timetables for the dates these the migrants various resident birds Grey Heron, Little Egret, Wigeon, Brent Goose and www.trinityhouse.co.uk/ services run. can be seen, including Fulmar, Redshank. lighthouses/lighthouse_ Follow the course of the river towards its source, along Kestrel and Peregrine. list/st_catherines.html Try the train a bridleway from Freshwater causeway then cross Afton Species you are likely to spot Some destinations in the leaflet are accessible by train, include: Whitethroat, Wimbrel, Road to enter Afton Marsh Local Nature Reserve. This Gift look out for the train icon. to Nature reserve has several types of wetland habitat and Kittiwake, Common Scoter, Bar-Tailed Godwit, Skua, supports a variety of wildlife. Local woods support a wide Tern, various diver species, various shearwater species, Visitor information range of birds. Wheatear, Whinchat, Yellow Wagtail, Peregrine and Raven. Visit visitisleofwight.co.uk 01983 813813 or drop into the Species you are likely to spot at Afton Marsh Visitor Information Centre, Guildhall, Newport. include: Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, OTHER PLACES TO VISIT Cuckoo, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Whitethroat, This leaflet is one of a series, look out for Beaches by • The Island’s rural south-west coast is very varied, from chalk Chicha, Long-Tailed Tit and Green Woodpecker. Bus, Beasts by Bus and Beauty by Bus. They have clis to chines providing a wide range of habitats for birds. Bus: been produced by Natural Enterprise to help you explore Island Coaster, 7, 6. We like the roaring fire at the Red the Island by sustainable means. Find out more at • St Helens Duver has sand dunes, beach, tidal harbour and Lion Pub on the causeway. naturalenterprise.co.uk. former mill pond providing a range of habitats. Bus: 8.
routes and attraction opening times before travelling. before times opening attraction and routes
to print, however we strongly recommend you check details of bus times, times, bus of details check you recommend strongly we however print, to
Disclaimer: All information is believed to be correct at the time of going going of time the at correct be to believed is information All Disclaimer: smartphone.
leaflet are free to access! to free are leaflet
scan the QR code with your your with code QR the scan
or or www.islandbuses.info
All the sites listed in this this in listed sites the All
to see wild birds on the Isle of Wight of Isle the on birds wild see to
of current fares visit visit fares current of
A guide to some of the best places places best the of some to guide A information and details details and information
information, latest travel travel latest information,
For full timetable timetable full For
runs round the coast from Ryde to Yarmouth. to Ryde from coast the round runs
top buses and the Island Coaster route which which route Coaster Island the and buses top
x
run in popular locations, including three open- three including locations, popular in run u
l
F
l
o
r
a During the summer months additional services services additional months summer the During
C
©
e
Newport Travel Shop. Travel Newport
g
a
m
I price. You can buy them on any bus or from the the from or bus any on them buy can You price.
are a better bet, oering unlimited travel for one one for travel unlimited oering bet, better a are
and 48 hour Rover or seven day Freedom tickets tickets Freedom day seven or Rover hour 48 and
tickets onboard, but many visitors find the 24 24 the find visitors many but onboard, tickets For occasional travel you can buy single single buy can you travel occasional For
Image © Southern Vectis ©Southern Image
villages around the Island. Island. the around villages
between the main towns and many of the the of many and towns main the between
S
the Isle of Wight with frequent services services frequent with Wight of Isle the outhern Vectis run the local buses on on buses local the run Vectis outhern
Image © Visit Isle of Wight of Isle ©Visit Image
bus-pass and get exploring! get and bus-pass
So grab your bird book, binoculars and and binoculars book, bird your grab So
their way to and from their summer nesting sites. nesting summer their from and to way their
can catch a vast array of migrants passing through on on through passing migrants of array vast a catch can
lots of overwintering birds. In spring and autumn you you autumn and spring In birds. overwintering of lots
resident birds and summer visitors. In winter there are are there winter In visitors. summer and birds resident
of year it is. In summer there are an assortment of of assortment an are there summer In is. it year of
You’ll find there are things to see whatever time time whatever see to things are there find You’ll
to by bus, though there are many more to discover. discover. to more many are there though bus, by to
favourite bird watching locations that are easy to get get to easy are that locations watching bird favourite
bird watching. This leaflet helps you find some of our our of some find you helps leaflet This watching. bird
of the best places in the country to spend some time time some spend to country the in places best the of
W
to see what you can spot, the Isle of Wight is one one is Wight of Isle the spot, can you what see to BIRDS BY BUS BY BIRDS
hether you’re an avid birder or a novice wanting wanting novice a or birder avid an you’re hether BIRDS BY BUS BY BIRDS
WESTERN YAR (INC. AFTON) ST CATHERIN E’S POINT (NITON) Better by bus Hopping on a bus is a great way to see the Isle of Wight, Route: 6 Routes: 7, Needles Breezer, Island Coaster Routes: 6, whether you’re popping over as a foot passenger on one Stop: Buddle Inn Island Coaster Stop: Yarmouth Bus Station of the fast-ferries, looking for a car-free holiday or just (not all services Stop: Church Street/ fancy leaving the car behind for a relaxed day out. You call here, please Rectory Road Other travel options: Wightlink ferry from or can get to some great places and see plenty on the way, Lymington check timetable) Cowes East Cowes with some of the best views you’ll find from the top deck Ryde of a bus. Walk from stop: Walk from stop: Yarmouth Ten minutes Twenty-five minutes Get on board Newport Cowes East Cowes Buses stop outside ferry terminals at Yarmouth, Cowes, Ryde Freshwater Sandown East Cowes and Ryde Hoverport. From Fishbourne there
Shanklin Yarmouth is a ten minute walk to the nearest stop. If you arrive
he Western Yar is one of Newport at Ryde Pier Head you can either stroll down the pier Tthe Island’s two river Yars Ventnor or catch the train to the bus station. Wightlink, Red (we do it to confuse you!). It flows Freshwater Sandown Funnel and Hovertravel sell combined ferry and bus between Freshwater Bay and Yarmouth and is only about Shanklin tickets from their mainland ticket offices. Pick up a bus t the southern extremity three miles long. Around sixty per cent of its length is tidal timetable from Yarmouth, Newport or Ryde bus stations of the Isle of Wight you’ll Ventnor estuary; this makes for excellent feeding opportunities for A or download one at islandbuses.info wading birds in particular. There are many excellent places find one of the best places in to see birds along the estuary, with the old railway line on Britain to see migrating birds on Extra summer services the east side providing easy access for wheeled users. With their way to their summer breeding We like During the summer Southern Vectis runs a number of grounds. When the wind is blowing the footpath on the west side this creates a circular walk St Catherine’s visitor-focused extra services; three open-top buses - from the east or south the birds with views over the estuary. Downs Breezer, Shanklin Steamer and Needles Breezer will often stop to feed here before Lighthouse tours Species you are likely to spot on the estuary check website for dates plus the Island Coaster bus which runs along most of the continuing their journey. As well as include: Curlew, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Kingfisher, and times. Island’s coasts. Check timetables for the dates these the migrants various resident birds Grey Heron, Little Egret, Wigeon, Brent Goose and www.trinityhouse.co.uk/ services run. can be seen, including Fulmar, Redshank. lighthouses/lighthouse_ Follow the course of the river towards its source, along Kestrel and Peregrine. list/st_catherines.html Try the train a bridleway from Freshwater causeway then cross Afton Species you are likely to spot Some destinations in the leaflet are accessible by train, include: Whitethroat, Wimbrel, Road to enter Afton Marsh Local Nature Reserve. This Gift look out for the train icon. to Nature reserve has several types of wetland habitat and Kittiwake, Common Scoter, Bar-Tailed Godwit, Skua, supports a variety of wildlife. Local woods support a wide Tern, various diver species, various shearwater species, Visitor information range of birds. Wheatear, Whinchat, Yellow Wagtail, Peregrine and Raven. Visit visitisleofwight.co.uk 01983 813813 or drop into the Species you are likely to spot at Afton Marsh Visitor Information Centre, Guildhall, Newport. include: Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting, OTHER PLACES TO VISIT Cuckoo, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Whitethroat, This leaflet is one of a series, look out for Beaches by • The Island’s rural south-west coast is very varied, from chalk Chicha, Long-Tailed Tit and Green Woodpecker. Bus, Beasts by Bus and Beauty by Bus. They have clis to chines providing a wide range of habitats for birds. Bus: been produced by Natural Enterprise to help you explore Island Coaster, 7, 6. We like the roaring fire at the Red the Island by sustainable means. Find out more at • St Helens Duver has sand dunes, beach, tidal harbour and Lion Pub on the causeway. naturalenterprise.co.uk. former mill pond providing a range of habitats. Bus: 8. MEDINA ESTUARY BRADING MARSHES
Cowes East Cowes Route: 1 (For Dodnor Creek local nature reserve) Routes: 2, 3, Downs Breezer Ryde Stop: Stag Inn (Walk down Stag Lane and turn right onto cycle path) Stop: Bull Ring (Brading) Yarmouth
Walk from stop: Fifteen minutes Newport Alternatively from Newport Bus station it is a ten minute walk Walk from stop: Ten minutes to Newport Quay, from where you can walk up either side of the Freshwater Sandown Shanklin Medina Estuary Other travel options: Island Line (Brading
he Medina Estuary is such an important area for Station) Cowes East Cowes Ventnor Tnature conservation that it is protected by six dierent Ryde designations under national and international law. It is Yarmouth particularly recognised for its importance for birds, with its Newport large areas of mudflats providing vital feeding grounds for a
variety of species. Freshwater Sandown
A cycleway provides access along the west bank of the Shanklin estuary, while a cycleway also runs along the east side from
Newport to Island Harbour and then a footpath continues to Ventnor the Folly Inn (north of this the footpath turns inland). Dodnor Creek Local Nature Reserve provides an We like watching oystercatchers cquired in 2001 by the RSPB, Brading Marshes is their only reserve on the Island. This area was once opportunity to see birds in a wide range of habitats close on the boat pontoons! A together. From the cycle track bridge you can enjoy good a harbour, but over the centuries the land has been views of the old mill pond and the Medina Estuary. Following Image © Marie Hale reclaimed, with the coming of the railway in the 1880s the path under the bridge into the site will take you through Species you are likely to spot include: Oystercatcher, completing the enclosure of the estuary. Since taking over fen and scrub into an area of woodland and a pond. There is a Curlew, Little Egret, Heron, Cormorant, Moorhen, Swan, the site the RSPB have worked to reverse the drainage path along the bank of the estuary between Dodnor Robin, Various Tits, Chanch, Goldfinch, Coot, Little of much of this area, creating improved habitat for birds Creek and Medina Riverside Park, both nature reserves Grebe, Water Rail, Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting and various again. Lapwings visit in large numbers during the winter on the estuary which are managed by Gift to Nature. gulls, perhaps even a Barn Owl if you visit in the evening. with some staying to breed in the summer. If you’re lucky you might spot an overwintering Bittern, one of the UK’s most threatened birds. RYDE SANDS HERSEY NATURE RESERVE Brading Station acts as a gateway to the reserve with information leaflets available, there is also a heritage Routes: 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 37 Route: 8 centre open during the summer. Access to the reserve is a Stop: Ryde Bus Station Stop: Ryde Road (Seaview) short walk from the station. A number of public footpaths cross the site and the former Bembridge Branch Line, now Walk from stop: Ten minutes Walk from stop: Two minutes a footpath and cycle track, provides some good vantage Cowes East Cowes points. Ryde Species you are likely to spot include: Meadow Other travel options: Island Line (Ryde Yarmouth Pippit, Teal, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Shoveler, Wigeon, Esplanade Station), Hovertravel (Hovercraft Newport Curlew, Black Tailed Godwit, Coot, Moorhen, Swan, from Southsea), Wightlink Fastcat (high speed Canada Goose, Cetti’s Warbler, Sedge Warbler and passenger ferry from Portsmouth) Freshwater Sandown Buzzard.
Shanklin Cowes East Cowes
Ryde We like stopping for a cup of tea in Ventnor Yarmouth Brading Station Heritage Centre.
Newport
Freshwater Sandown VENTNOR DOWNS Shanklin
Route: 3 Routes: 3, Island Coaster Ventnor Stop: York Road Stop: Bonchurch Car Park or yde Sands is an incredibly Walk from Walk from stop: important site for R stop: Twenty to Twenty minutes overwintering birds. It’s well Thirty minutes Cowes East Cowes worth taking the time to walk Ryde along the beach as the birds you are likely to see vary as Yarmouth you move between dierent Newport habitats along the beach. The Freshwater area around Ryde pier provides Sandown Shanklin something of a hot-spot for bird he downs above activity, with rich feeding grounds Ventnor provide a great ust along from Ryde Sands this is a great place to visit T Ventnor under and around the pier itself. vantage point for viewing on its own or along with a trip to Ryde. Lying between Image © Martin Gibson Ryde is a particularly good place to see Sanderling, often J migrating birds but also for Puckpool Park and the seaside village of Seaview, the found in large groups near the seafront café next to the watching birds of prey. As well as being a great spot for reserve has a circular walking route through it, a viewing boating lake. They run about like clockwork toys at the edge birds the downs have some fabulous views across the hide and an open-air viewing area. It was created when new of the water and when the tide is in can be easily seen from Island and over Ventnor to the English Channel. Ventnor Image © Martin Gibson sea defences were installed and quickly became one of the the esplanade. Sanderling are sensitive to disturbance so Downs also played a key role in the Battle of Britain with its best places to spot water birds. The site consists of a small please don’t get too close. radar station providing essential early warning of enemy lake with surrounding marshland and reedbeds and supports With an esplanade walkway running from just west of Ryde aircraft attack. You can still see parts of the radar station a diverse range of birds and other wildlife. Pier all the way to Puckpool this must be one of the most on top of the hill. Seaview has a range of places to accessible spots you will find to view such a great range of You can access Ventnor Downs from Upper Ventnor (York eat, or in the other direction there is We like birds. The bus station is at the foot of the pier so you can be Road Stop) and walking up Down Lane, or from Bonchurch – a pub next to Puckpool Park and two spotting birds almost as soon as you step o the bus. finishing follow the path up the hill opposite the car park. Either route cafés inside the park. You’ll also find There are toilets and cafés along the esplanade and the the day with will involve a steep climb but you stand a good chance of public toilets at Puckpool. main shopping street runs up the hill from the bus station a local ale seeing birds along most of the walk and the views at the top The closest bus stop is in Seaview with a wide range of pubs, cafés and restaurants giving will reward your efforts! The route from Upper Ventnor is on but as an alternative you can take at Seaview – you the chance to recharge and warm up. a surfaced access road, from Bonchurch on grass paths. any bus to Ryde bus station and overlooking Species you are likely to spot include: Brent Goose, Species you are likely to spot include: Hobby, then walk for two miles along the Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Mediterranean Gull, the Solent. Flycatchers, Buzzard, Peregrine, Kestrel, Sparrowhark, seafront, taking in the bird life along Sanderling, Curlew, Dunlin, Bar-Tailed Godwit and Ring Ouzel, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Redstart, Wheatear, Ryde Sands on the way. Redshank. Swallow, Swift, Stonechat, martins, Willow Warbler Species you are likely to spot include: Tufted Duck, and Whitethroat. We like watching the birds watch Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Oystercatcher, the hovercraft – they are not fazed Kingfisher, Greenshank, Teal, Water Rail, Common We like the stunning 360-degree in the least! Sandpiper, Mediterranean Gull, Shelduck, Swallow, views of the Island’s countryside. martins, Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler.