The Needles (a natural wonder on Isle of Wight)
The Needles is a set of three tall chalk rocks, that protrude out of the sea on the Isle of Wight. There was a fourth (called Lot’s Wife’) that crashed into the sea in a storm in 1764 (so loud, that it was heard miles away, and you can still see the stump at low tide, a dangerous reef).
Lot’s wife is never named in the Bible. But she turned into a pillar of salt, when she looked back at the destruction of Mount Sodom (a hill made from salt). The parable’s meaning is the consequences of looking back. And holding onto worldly possessions, rather than disobeying Divine instructions. Even if you’re not religious, it’s quite good advice.
The nearby lighthouse can seen up to 14 miles away (it’s not automated). The chalk ridge under the sea continues to the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, believe to have connected to Old Harry Rocks 20 miles away. The Needles Old Battery (a former military site) is now a nature reserve owned by the National Trust.
Alum Bay’s colourful sands
Alum Bay’s colourful sands are caused by iron oxide minerals.
Iron oxide is not safe for dogs, so keep them away from beaches containing them. Wash off your skin, after using sunscreens, cosmetics and deodorants, before letting pets kiss you!
Stay well away from the cliffs near The Needles and Alum Bay. Not so long ago, a tragedy occurred when a couple and their two dogs died, when their car plunged over nearby cliffs.
At the coast, keep away from nesting birds and never walk on sand dunes. Learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside (check beach bans before travel).
The site of pioneering radio transmissions
This area became the site for transmissions by Guglielmo Marconi, who was credited with inventing radio (which helped to rescue survivors on the Titanic).
Unfortunately his heroic status soon vanished, when it turned out he had associations with Mussolini’s Fascist Party (statues dedicated to him in Italy have now been removed).
What are England’s other natural wonders?
- The Jurassic Coast (this is in East Devon and Dorset, and home to Durdle Door limestone arch, and dinosaur fossils.
- Cheddar Gorge (Somerset) is the largest in England, with a spectacular ravine carved by ice-age meltwater, and extensive underground caves.
- Wastwater (Lake District) is England’s deepest lake, surrounded by Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.
- Seven Sisters (Sussex) is a series of dramatic white chalk cliffs in South Downs National Park, constantly being eroded by the sea.
- Dovedale (Peak District) is a stunning limestone valley with a tumbling river, famous for its stepping stones and rock formations.
- High Force Waterfall (County Durham) is one of England’s most powerful and highest, where the River Tees drops 70 feet over Whin Sill Rock.
