Latest news with #NationalLandscape
Metro
02-07-2025
- Metro
English Mediterranean island dubbed the UK's sunniest place is named 'best budge
You don't associate azure waters, golden sands, and subtropical microclimates with the UK. Nor do you think of tuning into French radio or spotting dolphins frolicking off the coast. But for the 140,000 residents on the Isle of Wight, a unique diamond-shaped island 12 miles off the coast of Portsmouth, this is reality. It's also the tiny patch of paradise I've called home for the last four years. In 2024, the island was named the sunniest place in the UK, receiving more sun than Italy during winter. But it's summer when this 147sqm stretch of land comes to life. Alongside rugged coastal paths, chalky cliff tops and shimmering bays, there's also a thriving creative community dedicated to putting this special place on the map. And, after the Isle of Wight was named the UK's best budget-friendly family holiday destination, there's never been a better time to explore this spectacular landscape. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. The Isle of Wight is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a protected National Landscape, and there's a strong focus on respecting the environment. Being an island, the beaches are the main selling point. Trust me when I say, many rival the Caribbean. Priory Bay in the northeast of the island is one of them. Located in the aptly named 'Seaview,' you can't reach the beach by car. Rather, you walk along Seagrove Bay (a perfect spot for paddle boarding or kayaking in summer), climb some rickety wooden steps, and pass through a small area of forest. When the trees part, a horseshoe-shaped bay emerges: white, dusty sands and crystal clear waters are protected by lush, tropical-looking trees. Small boats bob up and down along the coast, and in summer, the smoky scent of barbecue wafts on the breeze. I remember seeing this view for the first time and thinking it looked exactly like the beach from Cast Away, just with more people. While the tranquil ocean at Priory Bay is an ideal place for kayaking, adrenaline junkies should head to Comptom Bay. Towering sandstone cliffs dominate this stretch of coast, and consistent waves make it one of the best spots for surfing. Fossil-hunting is common here, as the rocks on the beach date back 126 million years. If you're looking for a 'hidden gem,' head to Rocken End. This remote beach near the southern tip of the island is only accessible by a steep, winding path. Considered to be an insider Isle of Wight secret, the beach has no amenities and is an adventurer's dream. Keen to avoid crowds? Rocken End never gets busy, meaning you can often enjoy this wild landscape in solitude. A word of warning: Rocken End is a nudist beach, so if you're not into seeing people sunbathe sans clothes, maybe avoid this one. However, I've never actually seen anyone chilling in their birthday suit. Yet. Ironically, just down the road from here is Blackgang Chine, the UK's oldest theme park. A family-friendly attraction, with rides and Disney-esque castles to boot, standard entry fees are £18.95. Those under one metre go free. Venture to the southeast coast and you'll come across Ventnor, a unique seaside town with its own quirky personality. Visually, Ventnor Bay and its pastel-coloured buildings have been compared to European hotspots across France and Italy. Coincidentally, it's here you can pick up French radio and experience the famed microclimate responsible for the growth of Mediterranean plants. For proof of this, head to the Botanic Gardens. Spread across 22 acres, the green space boasts 6000 species of rare and exotic plants and trees, while temperatures average around five degrees warmer than the rest of the UK. Ventnor Botanic Garden is open all year round, and adult tickets cost £11.50. As many countries struggle with the effects of overtourism, the place dubbed as the 'English Mediterranean' could be the destination 'dupe' you've been looking for. Up in the town, thrift your days away in one of the many vintage or antique stores. For music lovers, no trip to Ventnor is complete without a visit to Ventnor Exchange, a cosy bar and record store. (Make sure you try the famous cherry beer.) As one of the Island's leading arts organisations, the venue hosts regular gigs and creative workshops. They're also the team behind the award-winning Ventnor Fringe Festival, an annual event that showcases emerging and established talent from the Island and beyond. This year, Ventnor Fringe Festival will run from July 18 to 27. Pick up tickets from the Ventnor Exchange Box Office – they're sold separately for each event and range in price. If you're on a budget, there's a wide range of free areas and performances to check out. The Isle of Wight Festival is also a major event on the Island. In the past, iconic artists like The Strokes, Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie have taken to the main stage. 2025's headliners are Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake. 2024 Mercury prize-winners English Teacher are also performing. A weekend ticket costs £289.95. Down on the beach, it's more of a relaxing affair. After spending hours soaking up the sun, occasionally rising for a dip in the turquoise waters, grab some lunch from the traditional seafront cafe, Golden Sands. A personal favourite, the cafe was a finalist for 'Customer Service of the Year' at the 2025 Isle of Wight Radio Business Awards. Beware: the fish and chips here are not for the faint-hearted. Priced at a reasonable £12.85, the owner, Kyle, dishes out the biggest portions known to man. The cod is light and fluffy, the batter is perfectly crisped, and the chips are the definition of chef's kiss . You can only reach the Isle of Wight by ferry, and there are three routes. For foot passengers: From Portsmouth Harbour, take the Wightlink fast cat to Ryde Pier Head. One-way tickets cost £21.60 and take 20 minutes. You can also take the Hovertravel to Ryde from Southsea. The journey time is 10 minutes; one-way tickets are £24.60. From Southampton, jump on the Red Jet fast cat to West Cowes. A one-way journey costs £22.75 and takes 20 minutes. For vehicles: Wightlink travels from Portsmouth to Fishbourne in 45 minutes. Based on a vehicle up to 5m in length and 2.24m in height, economy tickets start from £42.00. Using the same vehicle measurements, Wightlink travels from Lymington to Yarmouth, with ticket prices starting at £66.50. The journey takes around 40 minutes. Red Funnel runs from Southampton to East Cowes. Prices for a car up to 5.5m in length and up to 2m in height start from £64.50 with a one-hour journey time. Should you have the energy to move after such a feast, take the opportunity to walk from Ventnor Beach to Steephill Cove. The postcard route takes around 25 minutes and has constant sea views. Another 'hidden gem,' the tiny cove offers beautiful scenery, clear swimming waters and rock pools to explore. If you're peckish, The Crab Shed is a local favourite. Try their famous crab pasties or mackerel ciabattas for £7.50 and £9.50. The Isle of Wight isn't just about seaside staple dishes, it's home to a full-throated culinary scene. The Garlic Farm in Newchurch is a one-of-a-kind concept focused on garlic-inspired dishes using locally sourced Island ingredients. The restaurant, which is located next to the farm shop (where you can pick up products like garlic ketchup, garlic balsamic vinegar and garlic beer), was crowned a 'Local Gem' in the 2024 Good Food Guide. I enjoyed the succulent 'Garlic beef burger,' with homemade burger sauce for £19. Though pricey, it was one of the best burgers I've ever tasted. True Food Kitchen in Ventnor is run by a group of award-winning chefs. Inside the restaurant, watch them whip up a fusion of Korean, Japanese, and Thai dishes from an open kitchen. More Trending I loved the pan-fried catch of the day (monkfish), paired with Asian veg, shisho chimmichuri, and chilli nori fries for £32. For something more casual, try Sandown Boulevard on Sandown seafront. Only open during the seasonal months, sit in the tiki-style terrace surrounded by local street food vendors who serve everything from pizzas, burgers, wings and shawarmas. I remember falling in love with the Isle of Wight as a child, when my family and I would travel down from Yorkshire during the summer. From the Instagrammable beaches, creative communities, and laid-back pace of life, it still has my heart to this day. MORE: The Canary Islands' 'best kept secret' gets first ever direct UK flights MORE: Daughter splashed £38,000 stolen from dementia-suffering dad on holidays MORE: British 'drug mule' Bella Culley says she was 'tortured' into smuggling
Rhyl Journal
27-06-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Have your say on future of Clwydian Range and Dee Valley
Residents, workers and visitors can take part in a public consultation to help guide priorities for the nationally recognised landscape in North Wales. Participants are invited to share what they believe makes the area special and suggest which parts should receive focused care and attention. David Shiel, area manager for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, said: "This is such an exciting project.(Image: Supplied) "We're looking to get people involved to help shape how this treasured landscape is cared for and enhanced for future generations. "The purpose of a National Landscape is to conserve and enhance natural beauty of the landscape. "But that's not the full story. "It must also support thriving communities, resilient nature, and sustainable tourism. "To do that well, we need to hear directly from the people who know and love the area best. "Whether you live in the area, work here, or are a visitor, your voice matters." A Citizens' Panel will also be formed from a selection of respondents. The panel will include people who live, work, and visit the area, and will help guide the National Landscape team and its partners over the next five years. The panel will focus on three main themes: nature and land use (including nature recovery, climate change, and land management), communities and resilience (covering services, housing, employment, and transport), and enjoyment and wellbeing (including tourism, recreation, and the visitor economy). The deadline to register interest is Thursday , July 31. For more information contact David Shiel on or call 07774 841939
Telegraph
08-06-2025
- General
- Telegraph
UK's biggest solar farm ‘will ruin views of the Malvern Hills'
Britain's biggest solar farm will ruin the views of the Malvern Hills if it gets planning permission, residents have warned. Opponents of plans for a 271-acre solar farm near Powick, Worcestershire, have said it will destroy the natural landscape and pose a fire risk to people living nearby. Preserve Powick Landscape and Nature (PPLAN), who have already erected signs around the area, marched from Hospital Lane in Powick through parts of the proposed site on Sunday. They are worried the solar farm will disrupt views of the Malvern Hills, cause harm to local wildlife, and pose fire risks from batteries used to store energy. Peter Loader, the leader of PPLAN who lives adjacent to the site, has described his concerns over the proposed development, including fire risks and traffic disruptions expected to last at least seven months. He said the reason he had been co-ordinating the events in opposition to the solar farm 'is primarily the impact on the landscape'. 'There are a lot of people who won't be able to walk through that area – and the Malvern Hills is an area of outstanding natural beauty,' Mr Loader said. 'Both the Malvern Hills Trust and the National Landscape people have objected because the view from the Malvern Hills would clearly be impacted by this site. 'The A449 has more than 20,000 vehicles a day going along it – and that is pretty much the capacity for a single carriageway A-road. Because they need to lay a cable from this side to the nearest substation, they're proposing putting roadworks up for seven months – and that's pretty serious. 'Not only will it affect people's day-to-day lives, with taking children to school, it will also affect ambulances. Many residents are concerned about the fire risk – when they catch fire, they can't be put out. 'When that happens, there's a toxic vapour cloud that forms, and the fairly large housing estate is downwind.' Steve Lloyd, who lives across from the proposed entrance to the solar farm, said he was worried about increased traffic and noise in the area, as well as the potential fire hazards. He said his greatest concern was 'mainly the size of it'. 'I'm a farmer, and it's so close to my house and my farm. I'm just thinking about what could go wrong. Apparently they can catch fire from the battery storage system,' Mr Lloyd said. 'People are worried about the fire risk and the wildlife. There's also the glare from it, and just the actual size of it. Traffic is also very much a concern – it's on a single-track lane.' RWE Renewables UK Solar & Storage Ltd, which is behind the plans, told the BBC that the site was close to the National Grid, making it 'the best and most suitable' location for the project.
Metro
28-04-2025
- Metro
The 'English Mediterranean' island I call home is a piece of paradise
You don't associate azure waters, golden sands, and subtropical microclimates with the UK. Nor do you think of tuning into French radio or spotting dolphins frolicking off the coast. But for the 140,000 residents on the Isle of Wight, a unique diamond-shaped island 12 miles off the coast of Portsmouth, this is reality. It's also the tiny patch of paradise I've called home for the last four years. In 2024, the island was named the sunniest place in the UK, receiving more sun than Italy during winter. But it's summer when this 147sqm stretch of land comes to life. Alongside rugged coastal paths, chalky cliff tops and shimmering bays, there's also a thriving creative community dedicated to putting this special place on the map. And, as thousands descend on the Isle of Wight in May to take part in Metro's Lifeline Challenge, a charity hike around the island, there's never been a better time to explore this spectacular landscape. The Isle of Wight is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a protected National Landscape, and there's a strong focus on respecting the environment. Being an island, the beaches are the main selling point. Trust me when I say, many rival the Caribbean. Priory Bay in the northeast of the island is one of them. Located in the aptly named 'Seaview,' you can't reach the beach by car. Rather, you walk along Seagrove Bay (a perfect spot for paddle boarding or kayaking in summer), climb some rickety wooden steps, and pass through a small area of forest. When the trees part, a horseshoe-shaped bay emerges: white, dusty sands and crystal clear waters are protected by lush, tropical-looking trees. Small boats bob up and down along the coast, and in summer, the smoky scent of barbecue wafts on the breeze. I remember seeing this view for the first time and thinking it looked exactly like the beach from Cast Away, just with more people. While the tranquil ocean at Priory Bay is an ideal place for kayaking, adrenaline junkies should head to Comptom Bay. Towering sandstone cliffs dominate this stretch of coast, and consistent waves make it one of the best spots for surfing. Fossil-hunting is common here, as the rocks on the beach date back 126 million years. If you're looking for a 'hidden gem,' head to Rocken End. This remote beach near the southern tip of the island is only accessible by a steep, winding path. Considered to be an insider Isle of Wight secret, the beach has no amenities and is an adventurer's dream. Keen to avoid crowds? Rocken End never gets busy, meaning you can often enjoy this wild landscape in solitude. Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK. That means life is lonely, scary and uncertain for 170,000 families every year. Missing People is the only UK charity dedicated to reconnecting them and their loved ones and that's why this year Metro is proudly supporting them for our 2025 Lifeline campaign. To help raise vital funds for the charity we would love you to join us on on 3 May for a 25km, 53km or 106km hike on the beautiful Isle of Wight. Registration starts at just £15 with a fundraising minimum of £240 (25km) / £360 (58km). Alternatively, you can pay for your place and set your own fundraising target. Whether you want to do it as a group or are signing up solo, as part of Team Lifeline, you'll receive tons of support and advice, so that every step you take can make a massive difference helping those whose loved ones have disappeared. Click here to sign up and find out more. To make a donation to Missing People, please click here. A word of warning: Rocken End is a nudist beach, so if you're not into seeing people sunbathe sans clothes, maybe avoid this one. However, I've never actually seen anyone chilling in their birthday suit. Yet. Ironically, just down the road from here is Blackgang Chine, the UK's oldest theme park. A family-friendly attraction, with rides and Disney-esque castles to boot, standard entry fees are £18.95. Those under one metre go free. Venture to the southeast coast and you'll come across Ventnor, a unique seaside town with its own quirky personality. Visually, Ventnor Bay and its pastel-coloured buildings have been compared to European hotspots across France and Italy. Coincidentally, it's here you can pick up French radio and experience the famed microclimate responsible for the growth of Mediterranean plants. For proof of this, head to the Botanic Gardens. Spread across 22 acres, the green space boasts 6000 species of rare and exotic plants and trees, while temperatures average around five degrees warmer than the rest of the UK. Ventnor Botanic Garden is open all year round, and adult tickets cost £11.50. As many countries struggle with the effects of overtourism, the place dubbed as the 'English Mediterranean' could be the destination 'dupe' you've been looking for. Up in the town, thrift your days away in one of the many vintage or antique stores. For music lovers, no trip to Ventnor is complete without a visit to Ventnor Exchange, a cosy bar and record store. (Make sure you try the famous cherry beer.) As one of the Island's leading arts organisations, the venue hosts regular gigs and creative workshops. They're also the team behind the award-winning Ventor Fringe Festival, an annual event that showcases emerging and established talent from the Island and beyond. This year, Ventnor Fringe Festival will run from July 18 to 27. Pick up tickets from the Ventnor Exchange Box Office – they're sold separately for each event and range in price. If you're on a budget, there's a wide range of free areas and performances to check out. The Isle of Wight Festival is also a major event on the Island. In the past, iconic artists like The Strokes, Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie have taken to the main stage. 2025's headliners are Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake. 2024 Mercury prize-winners English Teacher are also performing. A weekend ticket costs £289.95. Down on the beach, it's more of a relaxing affair. After spending hours soaking up the sun, occasionally rising for a dip in the turquoise waters, grab some lunch from the traditional seafront cafe, Golden Sands. A personal favourite, the cafe was a finalist for 'Customer Service of the Year' at the 2025 Isle of Wight Radio Business Awards. Beware: the fish and chips here are not for the faint-hearted. Priced at a reasonable £12.85, the owner, Kyle, dishes out the biggest portions known to man. The cod is light and fluffy, the batter is perfectly crisped, and the chips are the definition of chef's kiss . You can only reach the Isle of Wight by ferry, and there are three routes. For foot passengers: From Portsmouth Harbour, take the Wightlink fast cat to Ryde Pier Head. One-way tickets cost £21.60 and take 20 minutes. You can also take the Hovertravel to Ryde from Southsea. The journey time is 10 minutes; one-way tickets are £24.60. From Southampton, jump on the Red Jet fast cat to West Cowes. A one-way journey costs £22.75 and takes 20 minutes. For vehicles: Wightlink travels from Portsmouth to Fishbourne in 45 minutes. Based on a vehicle up to 5m in length and 2.24m in height, economy tickets start from £42.00. Using the same vehicle measurements, Wightlink travels from Lymington to Yarmouth, with ticket prices starting at £66.50. The journey takes around 40 minutes. Red Funnel runs from Southampton to East Cowes. Prices for a car up to 5.5m in length and up to 2m in height start from £64.50 with a one-hour journey time. Should you have the energy to move after such a feast, take the opportunity to walk from Ventnor Beach to Steephill Cove. The postcard route takes around 25 minutes and has constant sea views. Another 'hidden gem,' the tiny cove offers beautiful scenery, clear swimming waters and rock pools to explore. If you're peckish, The Crab Shed is a local favourite. Try their famous crab pasties or mackerel ciabattas for £7.50 and £9.50. The Isle of Wight isn't just about seaside staple dishes, it's home to a full-throated culinary scene. The Garlic Farm in Newchurch is a one-of-a-kind concept focused on garlic-inspired dishes using locally sourced Island ingredients. The restaurant, which is located next to the farm shop (where you can pick up products like garlic ketchup, garlic balsamic vinegar and garlic beer), was crowned a 'Local Gem' in the 2024 Good Food Guide. I enjoyed the succulent 'Garlic beef burger,' with homemade burger sauce for £19. Though pricey, it was one of the best burgers I've ever tasted. True Food Kitchen in Ventnor is run by a group of award-winning chefs. Inside the restaurant, watch them whip up a fusion of Korean, Japanese, and Thai dishes from an open kitchen. More Trending I loved the pan-fried catch of the day (monkfish), paired with Asian veg, shisho chimmichuri, and chilli nori fries for £32. For something more casual, try Sandown Boulevard on Sandown seafront. Only open during the seasonal months, sit in the tiki-style terrace surrounded by local street food vendors who serve everything from pizzas, burgers, wings and shawarmas. I remember falling in love with the Isle of Wight as a child, when my family and I would travel down from Yorkshire during the summer. From the Instagrammable beaches, creative communities, and laid-back pace of life, it still has my heart to this day. Every year, the Metro Lifeline campaign raises money and awareness for a chosen charity and includes an epic and tough fundraising challenge. Our adventure this year is a planned charity hike around the Isle of Wight on 3 May, alongside a couple of thousand other walkers in aid of the charity Missing People. It's the only UK charity dedicated to reconnecting missing people and their loved ones. The event is organised by trek experts Action Challenge, and our walkers will be doing either 25km, 53km or 106km around the island. Metro's Deputy Editor Claie Wilson said: 'We were drawn to the Isle of Wight as we wanted to choose somewhere that we knew would be a beautiful place to explore and had plenty of unforgettable scenery to keep us from getting bored as our team treks between 25 km and 100 km. 'The fact that our hike takes us through an ever-changing landscape that covers coastal scenery and rolling hills to charming villages and chalk cliffs is also a huge bonus. What better way to get to know somewhere?' MORE: The swear words Brits find most offensive revealed MORE: The 'dazzling' UK seaside town that's like being on the Amalfi Coast MORE: Exact date 'mini-heatwave' will hit UK with temperatures as high as 27°C
BBC News
19-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
South Stoke: Developer loses appeal to build 290 homes
A developer has failed in a second attempt to get permission to build 290 homes on fields near Hignett Family Trust's initial proposal to develop land on the South Stoke plateau was rejected by Bath and North East Somerset Council last trust said the decision was "unreasonable" and appealed to the Planning the appeal, the inspectorate said the development would have an "adverse effect" on the Cotswolds landscape and that councillors were right to refuse permission. The land sits within Bath's World Heritage Site and the Cotswolds National Landscape (the National Landscape term has replaced "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty").The 290 houses, 40% of which were designated as affordable homes, would have been built as part of the trust's "Sulis Down" trust has already built 170 Sulis Down homes, on land just west of the South Stoke land earmarked for Sulis Down was taken out of the green belt 10 years ago, for a "mixed-use" development of up to 300 homes, according to the Local Democracy Reporting 290 homes, added to the existing 170, would have exceeded this figure by more than half. After rejecting the appeal, planning inspector Tom Gilbert-Wooldridge said: "It is unlikely that any amount of suitable planting would be sufficient to visually screen the housing during the day or night."Therefore, there would be an adverse effect on the special qualities of the [Cotswolds National Landscape] in terms of views of the escarpment and high wolds landscape as well as dark skies."Somerset is facing a significant housing shortage, however, and Hignett Family Trust had said the homes would be "a beautiful new addition to the city of Bath". But locals warned they would cause "carmageddon" on from the South of Bath Alliance (Soba), alongside the council and local parish councils, raised £13,000 for a lawyer to fight the which held a protest against the homes at the initial planning decision in April 2024, thanked the "many volunteers" who helped "ensure the community's voice was heard"."This is a major success for [the council], South Stoke and Combe Hay parish councils and for the community members who have worked tirelessly over the past 12 years to oppose this excessive development," a spokesperson said. Hignett Family Trust is now expected to block public access to the popular walking routes along the field boundaries on its Sulis Down of the trust's submissions to the appeal inquiry said: "If the appeal is dismissed, that the appellant will then take immediate action to prevent further public access."
