Credit: Illustration by Alan Rowe / www.potting-shed-cartoons.co.uk

The estuary attracts numerous birds, including Curlews

The Medina lies in a wide shallow valley bordered by mudflats and areas of saltmarsh which are essential to the estuary’s ecosystem. Saltmarshes are important resting and feeding sites throughout the tidal cycle from late October to early March and provide a safe haven for young birds in summer. They contain rare and vulnerable plants and provide important nutrients.

Huge numbers of worms and snails live in the mud and these provide a rich food source for resident and visiting waterbirds. The estuary is also full of fish, and cormorants can be seen all year diving underwater to feed. In winter they are joined by little grebes, red-breasted mergansers, and goldeneye, and in summer months by the spectacular terns.

The Medina is an important natural habitat

The Werrar saltmarsh (opposite The Folly Inn) is probably the most sensitive part of the estuary and is the focus of a project to help protect the Medina’s wonderful wading birds and waterfowl.

The Estuaries Project is working with the local sailing centres (Island Youth Water Activities Centre, the Medina Valley Centre, and UKSA) to help raise awareness of the estuary’s unique environment and its most sensitive areas. A number of new signs now help to identify these areas. Please keep clear of these sensitive areas where possible.

Circular Walk leaflet

The Circular Walk is a great way to see the estuary from a different perspective. The route is approximately 9 miles/14km and encompasses all aspects of the estuary’s fascinating character as it follows beautiful elevated and waterside footpaths, the tree-lined cycleway, and crosses the estuary on the floating bridge.

To find out more about the Medina Estuary and to download a copy of the Circular Walk leaflet visit the website, link below, or send an email to the address shown. Copies of the leaflet are also available at Island TICs or Cowes Harbour office.

The Isle of Wight Estuaries Project is a partnership between Cowes Harbour Commission, Environment Agency, Isle of Wight Council, Natural England, and Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners.