Pinkmead cache Size: medium Hidden: 1 May 2008 Terrain: Mostly level path. Sometimes marshy nearer cache location. Difficulty: moderate Grid Ref: SZ 504 932 Download Getting There Pinkmead can only be accessed from the Newport-Cowes cycletrack. There is free parking at both ends of the cycletrack. This estuary-side cache can be a bit muddy once off the track. From the north, the number 1 bus stops by Cowes Medical Centre. From the south, all buses stop at Newport. For information on bus times see Island Buses or phone 0871 200 2233. Wildlife Pinkmead is a great place to spot the estuaries feathered visitors. Teal, ringed plover, redshank, little grebe can be spotted and the distinctive calls of curlews and oystercatchers can be heard.

The Medina Estuary is a great place to watch wildlife. On the west side of the estuary the course of the old railway provides a popular cycle route between Newport and Cowes, set far enough back from the estuary for the movement not to cause disturbance to the important high water roost sites at Pinkmead and Werrar saltmarsh.

At high water Lapwings will use the mooring platforms or rest in the Werrar saltmarsh, but are prepared to fly a distance to find suitable supplementary feeding grounds in grazed or ploughed fields. The flock that remains along the estuary at low water favours the mudflats just to the south of Pinkmead Creek on the west and downstream of the Folly Inn on the east. At low water the Teal feed on the mudflats throughout the central and lower estuary, including the Island Harbour Marina, but the favoured area lies between Werrar Creek and Pinkmead Creek on the west side. (Marston, 2004a - 2007a).