The Protected Areas and Costal Landscapes

Isle of Wight AONB Landscape

The Isle of Wight AONB has a complex and diverse landscape. The underlying geology; habitats and species of plants and animals; historic and current land use and settlement pattern; boundary features such as hedgerows, stone walls, hedge banks, streams, and ditches; traditions, customs and cultures; peace, tranquillity and ‘Dark Skies’ all add to its special qualities and ‘sense of place’.

Landscape elements and features of all lowland England can be found in one small geographical area on the Isle of Wight.  Being an island, the sea and its influence are a major part of the special character of the AONB. 

Changing seasons and weather patterns contribute to this variety, as do differences between the aspects of the south-west coastline, which is subject to storms and waves, and the northern low, slumped coasts and estuaries, which experience the gentler influence of the Solent.

Quiet enjoyment of the AONB has provided, and continues to provide, a source of inspiration and relaxation to people who visit or live in the area.

However, increasing pressure for new, or expansion of existing, activities within the countryside, built development and traffic can all have an impact on the peace, tranquillity, and character of the Isle of Wight AONB. 

Management

Landscape Character

As defined by European Landscape Convention28, landscape is defined as ‘an area, as perceived by local people or visitors, which evolves through time as the result of the action and interaction of natural and human beings’

The Isle of Wight Landscape Character Assessment29 provides a useful insight into the key components and make-up of the special qualities and characteristics of an area.  This is a useful tool in assisting the on-going management of the area to ensure that whilst progress is enabled the key important qualities are retained. 

National Character Areas

National Character Areas (NCAs) divide England into 159 distinct natural areas. Each is defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geo-diversity and cultural and economic activity. Their boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision-making framework for the natural environment. 

NCA profiles are guidance documents produced by Natural England which will help to achieve a more sustainable future for individuals and communities. The profiles include a description of the key ecosystem services provided in each character area and how these benefit people, wildlife and the economy. They identify potential opportunities for positive environmental change and provide the best available information and evidence as a context for local decision making and action.

The Isle of Wight is one distinct National Character Area (NCA127)30 There is a synergy between the Isle of Wight NCA and this AONB Management Plan.  There will be scope to explore joint actions on the opportunities identified in both documents.

Isle of Wight Landscape Character

In 1994, the then Countryside Commission published a landscape assessment of the Isle of Wight, with a specific focus on the AONB31. This identified 11 broad landscape character types across the AONB that contribute to its overall character.  In general, the descriptions given in this document remain relevant today.  A summary of the key characteristics of these landscape character types is given in the following table and their extent across the AONB is shown in the Map.  Further detailed information can be found in Appendix C.  

The Historic Landscape Characterisation of the Isle of Wight 32 adds a further depth of information and understanding (see Chapter 6: Historic Environment). 

AONB Local Areas

The scenic quality of key views within the AONB, often result from interaction between landscape character types and the visual contrast of differing key characteristics.  The Isle of Wight AONB is unusual in that it comprises five separate land parcels, rather than the more usual one or two continuous areas found in other AONBs. There is no characteristic that is common to the whole AONB other than perhaps its very diversity and variety.  This diversity is largely due to its underlying geology, and the way that people have used the land over time.

Whilst information in the 1994 county level assessment regarding broad landscape types is relevant, through historic land use and cultural influences there are significant differences between areas of the AONB within the same broad type. To assist in better understanding of these differences there is a need for Landscape Character Assessments at a more localised level.  These offer a better understanding of the distinctiveness of the AONB and provide evidence for the consistency of advice.

Such plans have already been undertaken in parts of the AONB (West Wight Landscape Partnership area33 and Shorwell Parish) and East Wight Landscape Partnership34. These plans cover all but the area of Isle of Wight AONB around Osborne near East Cowes

It is our intention that throughout the life of this Plan, to work with the communities and partners to explore these special qualities, help with their local planning documents and develop supplementary documents to accompany this broader AONB Management Plan.

Connecting Land and Sea

The coastline of the Isle of Wight AONB is an important part of its natural beauty and character often featuring in many of the views to and from the designated area.  The exposed geology on cliffs is visually dramatic and helps to illustrate the bedrock the rest of the landform and landscape of the Isle of Wight AONB.  Most of the coastline is subject to natural erosion processes, being unprotected from the action of the sea and prevailing winter storms.  Much of the AONB coastline is also defined as Heritage Coast (see below); however, there are some equally significant stretches of coastline which are in the AONB but not Heritage Coast (Gurnard to Thorness Bay, Yarmouth to Norton, Norris to Wootton, Fishbourne to Binstead, Whitecliff Bay to Yaverland, Luccombe and part of Castle Cove in Ventnor). 

Heritage Coasts

The Isle of Wight AONB also incorporates two areas of Heritage Coast and cover roughly half of the Island’s coastline.  The Heritage Coast areas within the AONB are arguably those areas most readily associated with the scenic beauty of the Isle of Wight. Their natural beauty and their enjoyment by the public give them a special claim for both protection and sensitive management.

Hamstead Heritage Coast runs for 11km and is situated on the northwest of the Isle of Wight running from Bouldnor, near Yarmouth through to Thorness Bay, near Cowes.  A tranquil and secretive coastline with inlets, estuaries and creeks; wooded hinterland and gently sloping soft cliffs this beautiful area offers a haven for wildlife including red squirrels and migratory birds.  The ancient town of Newtown and its National Nature Reserve also fall within the area. 

Tennyson Heritage Coast runs for 34km, from Steephill Cove in Ventnor to Widdick Chine at Totland.  This coastline is breath-taking, with an open aspect; long distance views to the English Channel; a special quality of light; the iconic Needles chalk stacks and other multi-coloured cliffs; a fossil-rich coastline including the well-known dinosaur footprint casts at Brook Bay; miles of undeveloped coastline and unspoilt beaches; important wildlife habitats; memories of past islanders including smugglers; Chines and lighthouses.

Although sharing many of the aims of AONB designation, Heritage Coasts are also defined for public enjoyment and appreciation35.

Since 1973, 45 stretches have been defined, covering more than one third of the coastline of England and Wales (1,525 km in total, with 1,027 km in England).

The finest stretches of coast justify national recognition as Heritage Coast. They should be given effective protection and management: stronger measures should apply there than elsewhere.

The main objectives for Heritage Coasts are:

  • To conserve, protect and enhance the natural beauty of the coasts, including their terrestrial, littoral and marine flora and fauna, and their heritage features of architectural, historical and archaeological interest.
  • To facilitate and enhance their enjoyment, understanding and appreciation by the public by improving and extending opportunities for recreational, educational, sporting and tourist activities that draw on, and are consistent with, the conservation of their natural beauty and the protection of their heritage features.
  • To maintain and improve (where necessary) the environmental health of inshore waters affecting Heritage Coasts and their beaches through appropriate works and management measures.
  • To take account of the needs of agriculture, forestry, and fishing, and of the economic and social needs of the small communities on these coasts, by promoting sustainable forms of social and economic development, which in themselves conserve and enhance natural beauty and heritage features.

There has been no change to this guidance since 1992 and a review of Heritage Coasts in 202336 concluded that their significance and resources have declined markedly.

Both Heritage Coasts include large areas inland of the coastline and extend approximately 2km out to sea, so extending the interests of this management plan to the marine environment.

The National Planning Policy Framework10 states that major development within a Heritage Coast is unlikely to be appropriate unless it is compatible with its special character.

The sea and land have separate and very different legal and institutional arrangements, different challenges and additional stakeholders. There is a need for us to ensure that the special qualities of the inshore waters of the Heritage Coast areas are adequately conserved and enhanced.

Management Considerations/Forces for Change

Marine and Coastal Access Act 200937

This Act sets out the Government’s policy for delivering sustainable management of marine and coastal environments. Aspects of the Act that have a direct impact on the Isle of Wight AONB include developing a marine planning system, the introduction of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) and other conservation tools, strengthening arrangements for fisheries, establishing a costal path, and researching the effects of climate change.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) was established in 2010 to perform many of the tasks coming from the Act. 

Marine Planning – The South Inshore and South Offshore areas are the third and fourth areas in England to be selected for marine planning. The South Inshore area includes the coastline stretching from Folkestone, Kent to the River Dart, Devon, fully encompassing the coastline of the Isle of Wight. The MMO published these plans in 2018. The Isle of Wight AONB Partnership was fully engaged with this process and good communication with the MMO is essential to ensure that the connections between land and sea are incorporated and to retain the special qualities of the Isle of Wight AONB and its Heritage Coasts.

Coastal access and the establishment of the King Charles III England Coastal Path National Trail is also considered under the Act, following a decision to include the Isle of Wight despite off-shore islands being initially excluded from the provisions of the Act. This process is being taken forward by Natural England (see Chapter 18: Access and Recreation)

Marine Conservation Zones38

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 also made it possible to designate protected areas around our shores, Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). Currently three MCZs has been designated on the Island’s coast; The Needles MCZ between the Needles and Fort Albert into the Solent close to Hurst Spit (1101 ha); Bembridge MCZ (7488 ha) between Seaview and Bonchurch; and Yarmouth to Cowes (1629 ha). All of these have Isle of Wight AONB coastline with the Yarmouth to Cowes site incorporating the Hamstead Heritage Coast.

The Isle of Wight Shoreline Management Plan 2 (SMP2)39

The Isle of Wight coast will change over the next 100 years due the impacts of marine erosion, ground instability and flooding by the sea. Current levels of risk are likely to increase through greater human activity and development in coastal areas and as a result of the predicted impacts of climate change. Responsibility for management of the Island’s coastal defences against erosion and sea flooding is shared between the Isle of Wight Council, private landowners, and the Environment Agency. The revision of the Shoreline Management Plan, SMP2 published in 2011, was developed as a means by which these organisations could determine, with stakeholders, the best way to look after the coast in a sustainable way for the next 100 years. It was prepared using guidelines set down by DEFRA, the Government Department with responsibility for setting national policy for defence of the coastline.

For the Isle of Wight AONB areas, the SMP2 strategy has identified various approaches to the appropriate defence of stretches of coastline from some form of protection through to allowing for natural processes to take place. The West Wight Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management Strategy40 gives greater detail on these options for the north-west coast of the Island from Freshwater Bay, around the Needles to East Cowes, incorporating the estuaries at Yarmouth, Newtown and the Medina. In the Isle of Wight AONB, investment would be directed at reducing risks in areas around Yarmouth. A coastal study covering Sandown Bay is currently being developed. The southern and western reaches of this study area includes AONB coastline at Luccombe and Yaverland.

European Protected Sites

Under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations41 ecological infrastructure for the protection of sites, which are of exceptional importance in respect of rare, endangered, or vulnerable natural habitats was established in the UK.

These sites consist of:

Special Protection Areas (SPAs)

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)

There are a number of these sites within or adjacent to Isle of Wight AONB.  These are:

  • Solent & Isle of Wight Lagoons SAC.
  • Briddlesford Copses SAC.
  • South Wight Maritime SAC.
  • Isle of Wight Downs SAC.
  • Solent Maritime SAC.
  • Solent & Southampton Water SPA.

These sites benefit from Site Improvement Plans which set out the actions required to meet their conservation objectives. They are also listed as water-dependent Protected Areas under the Water Framework Directive.

At the time of writing these sites still enjoy the protection afforded to them under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017(incorporating provisions to comply with the EU Birds Directive 1979 and the Habitats Directive 1995) and the non-marine sites remain SSSIs.

The Isle of Wight AONB and Hamstead Heritage Coast also encompasses the Solent & Southampton Water Ramsar site designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention 1971. These sites are treated with the same protection and consideration under national policy but are not designated under the same legislation.

Seascape Character Assessment

Seascape, like landscape, reflects the relationship between people and place and the part it plays in forming the setting to our everyday lives. It is a product of the interaction of the natural and cultural components of our environment, and how they are understood and experienced by people.

Seascape is defined by Natural England in their report ‘All Landscapes Matter’ 42 as:

“An area of sea, coastline and land, as perceived by people, whose character results from the actions and interactions of land with sea, by natural and/or human factors.”

Seascape Character Assessments (SCA) have been drawn up by the Marine Management Organisation for the Solent (MCA 5) and the South Wight (MCA 6) as part of the South Marine Planning Process43. These incorporate the Isle of Wight AONB coastline between them and provide useful information and evidence regarding the special qualities and characteristics of both the marine and terrestrial environments.   They will inform future management of the Heritage Coasts to integrate their dual interest areas and make the connection between land and sea.

Also, a Solent and Isle of Wight historic seascape characterisation project was undertaken by the Hampshire and Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology (HWTMA), Bournemouth University and Southampton University44. It includes the coastal area of the Solent, and Isle of Wight, (approximately a 150 mile stretch of coastline). The project is one of four pilot projects designed to apply the principles of HLC (Historic Landscape Characterisation) to the marine environment. These led to the development of a national methodology for Historic Seascape Characterisation and a further four projects were funded using this revised national method. These included Historic Seascape Characterisation: Hasting to Purbeck and Adjacent Waters 45

A Dynamic Coastal Environment

The importance of the unprotected coastline and the continuation of natural coastal processes cannot be underestimated.  This dynamic environment is an important habitat for many species which rely on the various stages of succession from newly exposed cliff falls through to mature secondary woodland on land slip areas.  The wildlife importance of the coastline of the Isle of Wight AONB is reflected in the extent of international, national, and local nature conservation designations for the coastline.  Cliff faces are also important for palaeontological and palaeo-environmental exposures and archaeological remains helping us to better understand environments, species, climates, and peoples’ activities in the past. However, an actively eroding coastline also brings with it challenges relating to land, built property and infrastructure such as the highway network.  Whenever there is a social or economic need to consider an engineering intervention, there needs to be a clear cost benefit analysis and an understanding of the impact of the development on the historic and natural environment and landscape character of the Isle of Wight AONB and the relevant Heritage Coast.

The importance of the unprotected coastline and the continuation of natural coastal processes cannot be underestimated.  This dynamic environment is an important habitat for many species which rely on the various stages of succession from newly exposed cliff falls through to mature secondary woodland on land slip areas.  The wildlife importance of the coastline of the Isle of Wight AONB is reflected in the extent of international, national, and local nature conservation designations for the coastline.  Cliff faces are also important for palaeontological and palaeo-environmental exposures and archaeological remains helping us to better understand environments, species, climates, and peoples’ activities in the past. However, an actively eroding coastline also brings with it challenges relating to land, built property and infrastructure such as the highway network.  Whenever there is a social or economic need to consider an engineering intervention, there needs to be a clear cost benefit analysis and an understanding of the impact of the development on the historic and natural environment and landscape character of the Isle of Wight AONB and the relevant Heritage Coast.

Sustaining the Landscape

Landscape is the result of the varying elements of ecosystem and non-ecosystem services – the quality of our landscape is how well balance is maintained.  Landscapes are a result of the way that different components of our environment, both natural and non-natural, interact together and are perceived by us. They are not just about visual perception but are also about what we hear, smell and experience through touch and what this evokes through memory, association, and emotion.  They are defined by the relationship between people and place.

The impact of the sea and our island status has a major bearing on the culture, administration, economy, and climate of the Isle of Wight. The coastal zone and the continuation of natural coastal processes provide the geological, historic, nature conservation and scenic interest of the coastline of the Isle of Wight AONB.  The beaches, sea and countryside are a major draw for visitors and are also enjoyed by the local community for leisure and recreation. 

The pace of life, peace and tranquillity of the Island also has great bearing on the quality of life and special character within Isle of Wight AONB.  Local place names, dialect, foods, customs, and folklore all add to the colour and variety of the experience.

All the special qualities of the AONB blend to create a perceived resonance, meaning and value by the local community, and those who choose to visit the area. This can be referred to as ’sense of place’.

Solent Seascape Project

Lead by the Blue Marine Foundation the Solent Seascape Project is a multi-million-pound, five-year (2022 – 2027) initiative which seeks to restore four major habitats in the Solent: seagrass meadows, oyster reefs, saltmarsh and seabird nesting habitats with funding from the Endangered Landscapes Programme. The project is a partnership between Environment Agency, Natural England, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Project Seagrass, Isle of Wight Estuaries Project, CHaPRoN, University of Portsmouth and the Blue Marine Foundation46.

On the Isle of Wight coast priorities are seagrass beds and saltmarsh restoration, the latter being concentrated on Thorness Bay in the Isle of Wight AONB.

Policies for Protected Landscapes and Coastal Areas of the Isle of Wight AONB

These policies should be read in conjunction with the overarching objectives for the Isle of Wight AONB as detailed in Section 3.13.

P1           Ensure the continuation of natural processes and encourage strategic approaches to deal with areas where this may create potential conflict with socio-economic considerations (particularly on currently undefended Isle of Wight AONB coastlines). 

P2           Encourage the use of Landscape, Seascape and Historic Landscape Character Assessments as tools to consider proposals for change within the Isle of Wight AONB.

P3           Encourage traditional skills and techniques that contribute to enhancement of landscape and seascape character.

P4           Ensure that where, in exceptional circumstances, development that is considered harmful to the Isle of Wight AONB is permitted, contributions are made which deliver conservation and the enhancement of the features contributing to the special character of the Isle of Wight AONB

P5           Support and encourage initiatives that contribute to national landscape targets included 30 by 30, climate change mitigation and adaptation and nature recovery.

Priorities for Delivery

  • Develop a better appreciation of Isle of Wight AONB coastal areas, particularly the two Heritage Coasts, for their landscape and scientific importance.
  • Support identification of priority sites for the recording of natural, historic, and cultural assets subject to substantial change or loss through dynamic coastal processes.
  • Encourage traditional landscape management skills and techniques that contribute to landscape and seascape character.
  • Support landowners working towards national targets for nature recovery and climate change mitigation and adaptation