Pelham Wood
A steeply sloping wooded site, of mainly Sycamore but also Hazel and Ash. This woodland belongs to the Isle of Wight Council but has been managed by Gift to Nature since April 2022. Some species are being thinned to promote others. Due to ground conditions there are many fallen trees which are left where they create excellent habitat. Look out for the overgrown remains of an old stone building.
Typical Flora
You will discover an intimate mixture of native plants such as the lush Harts Tongue Fern, pretty yellow Lesser Celandine, sweet-scented native Bluebells, and the more exotic Green Alkanet. Buddleia, Pendulous Sedge, and the nationally rare parasitic Ivy Broomrape is found here too.
The dense shade cast by the Sycamore trees is much favoured by spring-flowering plants such as Yellow Archangel, Bluebells, Daffodil and the nationally scarce Arum Italicum (Lords and Ladies). The high humidity in this wood creates a perfect environment for lush Moss growth on the boulders, which make up the terrain here.
Wet areas are created by natural springs coming from the landslip above which allows Alder, Comfrey, and Willowherb to grow prolifically. Liverworts and Mosses do well on the pond edges due to the clean water.
Wildlife
Red squirrels, lost after the storm of October 1987, have now returned and dormice are also present. You are most likely to spot a squirrel by listening for it, so stand still. They can be heard rustling in the treetops. It is best to visit early morning or late afternoon. If you hear a pitter-patter and it’s not raining, it may be a squirrel munching pinecones – this is the noise the leftovers make as they hit the tree leaves as they fall.
The distinctive paths of badgers can be found weaving their way throughout the wood.
Listen to the water trickling through the cascade at the bottom of the site – it’s like a fairy grotto. Also hear the bees buzzing – in spring they love Lesser Celandine because it’s one of the first flowers to appear after winter.
Access
This site is not suitable for any access except on foot, and you need to be reasonably physically fit. There are many trip hazards and the entrances, paths, and steps are slippery at all times of the year, particularly in wet weather. There are some steep unfenced drops which makes the site hazardous for people with impaired sight or balance.
An Information Pillar and a bench are located near one of the entrances from Undercliff Drive. This pillar has a map plus a QR code which links to an audible description creating a mind’s eye view of the area to allow a visually impaired person to enter with confidence. There is also a QR code that links to a map and some kids activities.
There is access to the site from Inglewood Park which is more gentle, but there are still the same hazards when crossing the site.
There are no nearby public toilets. The nearest toilets are in the town of Ventnor.
Children
Gift to Nature want you to have a wonderful time at Pelham Wood. They have produced a fun colouring sheet and an I-spy sheet suitable for both adults and children. You can also download the I-Spy sheet in the link below, and print off the Colouring Sheet HERE for fun at home.
Location
The easiest access is via Inglewood Park. If coming from the Ventnor direction, take the second entrance into Inglewood Park, which flanks Pelham Woods. See map below. There is limited street parking in this road. You can also access it directly from Undercliff Drive, via stone steps through the wall.
Further Information
Visit Gift to Nature's website (link below) for a more detailed description of the woodland.
