Island Life Magazine Ltd February / March 2016 | Page 72

COUNTRY LIFE

A walk in
the woods
Guest writer Mark Fox continues
with his series looking at different
places of interest on the Island
This issue he looks at the walks
around Firestone Copse

F

irestone Copse is a haven for
wildlife. Sitting behind Kite Hill
and running alongside the higher
reaches of Wootton Creek the area is
heavily forested and a haven for wildlife.
There are two main walks available.
One is a circular walk of about a mile.
This follows a decent open path that
is suitable for people of all ages. The
other walk is longer and diverts off the
main path and takes you down beside
the creek. Both are wonderful, both are
great for families.
Starting in the car park, which is just
off the Kite Hill to Havenstreet road, you
pass through a wooded picnic area. In
spring and summer it’s worth coming
just for a picnic to this spot.
Following the path down to the left
from the car park you walk gently down
hill. Although not far from Wootton
the walk feels completely isolated from
traffic and town noise. Occasionally you
can hear the whistle of the Steam Railway
and that helps the feeling that somehow
you have escaped to another time. Often
you can see a Red Squirrel going about
their business and there is always plenty
of wildlife about.

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In winter we tend to stick to the main
pathway and set a brisk pace. But we
know the season is turning when we
choose to take the path down the hill
towards the creek. It is quite a steep
uneven path down, but great fun as you

see the reeds and the creek open up
before you. Sometimes there’s a mist or
fog resting over the creek that gives a
great sense of calm and isolation to the
whole area. Although I am no expert, it
is great fun to watch and listen to the