Golden Hill cache Size: small Hidden: 28 April 2008 Terrain: level walk, mostly paths Difficulty: easy Grid Ref: SZ 339878 Download Getting There Golden Hill Park is just south of the A3054, between Yarmouth and Colwell. It is 20 hectares in extent and surrounds the privately owned Golden Hill Fort. Footpaths F14, F15 and F70 cross the site. There is a free public car park adjacent to the entrance to the fort. The number 7 bus stops near Golden Hill Fort. For information on bus times see Island Buses or phone 0871 200 2233. Wildlife The soil types on which Golden Hill Park stands are complex and support a wide range of plants, including the chalk loving yellow-wort and dwarf thistle, dyer’s greenweed, a feature of neutral soils and gorse which is associated with more acid soils. These attract a good range of butterflies.

Why is Golden Hill Park so special?
Golden Hill fort was built as part of the Palmerston defences between 1863 and 1869, as a coastal defence in the West Wight. Situated in a commanding position, the area was kept clear of vegetation to allow views out to the Solent. The name Golden Hill refers not to the spectacular golden display of gorse but to an historic landowner, Gauden. The surrounding land is open to the public. It is managed as a country park by the Isle of Wight Council, and is an open grassland with bridleways, viewpoints and a small car park.

Golden Hill Country Park was officially opened by His Excellency Admiral of the Fleet the Earl Mountbatten of Burma, Governor of the Isle of Wight on 4th July 1970.

The habitats vary and there is a transition between open grassland, scrub and woodland. Bridleways and footpaths lead around the embankments with fine views of the valley of the River Yar. Trees and shrubs such as blackthorn, rose, ash, sycamore, privet and dogwood are all found at Golden Hill Park. Notable species include nightingale and red squirrel. Secondary woodland at the park consists of oak, ash, silver birch, sycamore and field maple with a hawthorn and
dogwood understorey. White admiral and purple hairstreak butterflies can be seen here.

Management work involves selective scrub clearance to allow grassland species to flourish. Blocks of scrub are maintained, however, to give breeding habitat for birds, and red squirrels are seen in the area. Golden Hill Park is used well by local residents who appreciate the variety of wildlife and the extensive views.