Blackgang/Gore Area

This area offers stunning cliff top views of Tennyson Heritage Coast, West Wight and on a clear day, Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Blackgang along with the Gore area are all part of the Compton Chine to Steephill Cove Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI). It has been designated thus because of its geology, geomorphology, flora, fauna and fossils. This site and its immediate surrounds are excellent for spotting a wide variety of birds.

This area is situated near Niton and is a stretch of coastline on the Southern tip of Isle of Wight between Blackgang Chine and St Catherine's Point. When visiting this site, it is recommended that you explore Gore Cliff, Gore Down, St. Catherine’s Hill, and the accessible area near the Blackgang Chine Theme Park. The route includes the fine chalk downs of St Catherine's Hill (239 metres above sea level), with its historical Oratory (built in the 14th century) and a lengthy section of the Coastal Path from Niton to Whale Chine. In fine weather, the walk offers some wonderful views of the coast and downs. This area is usually better than St. Catherine’s Point for Autumn passerine visible migration as the birds tend to move on a narrower front. In addition, grounded migrants tend to be easier to find here due to the more restricted cover. St. Catherine’s Point tends to be preferable for sea-watching due to its lower elevation and proximity to the shore.

Access, parking and amenities

Blackgang Viewpoint is the main car park (which is free) to access Blackgang and the Gore area. It located on the A3055 Blackgang Road. The site can also be accessed by bus and bike. Ventnor, PO38 2JB. During the Summer, an Ice Cream van can be located in the Car Park. Please note, there are no amenities.

What to look out for - Calendar

Spring (March - June)

Swift, swallow, redstart, pied and spotted flycatcher, warblers, chats and yellowhammer.

Autumn (July - mid November)

Red kite, goldcrest, whinchat, redstart, spotted and pied flycatcher, ring ouzel, wheatear and warblers. In addition, there can be good visible migration opportunities during September and October of hirundines, pipits, finches, wagtails, larks and thrushes. There can also be good visible migration of thousands of wood pigeons in early to mid November, which is an extraordinary sight.

Rarities

Wood warbler (viewed from wooded area adjacent to the Blackgang Chine car park), wryneck, great grey shrike, ortolan bunting, dotterel, dusky warbler and stone curlew were all seen approximately 100 metres from the viewpoint car park.