Bonchurch Landslip

Bonchurch landslip is a large area of woods and jumbled paths between Luccombe and Bonchurch villages. It features some remarkable landforms, cliffs, boulders and steep steps, and is one of the most extraordinary landscapes on the Island which has been delighting and intriguing visitors for over 200 years.

The coastal path runs through the reserve, and walkers can climb up the inner cliff through the bizarre and claustrophobic climbs of The Devil’s Chimney or The Chink.

The landslip has an established woodland of ash, oak and beech, with unusual lichen species. The lower slips, comprising mixed clay and sandy habitats, once supported a complex mix of acid-loving and chalk-loving plant species, but much of this has fallen into the sea, and the lower area is almost impossible to get to because of the continued land movement.

Find out more about the history of the site here.

What to look and listen for…

Find the Devils Chimney, The Chink and the Wishing Seat. In places there are spectacular views of the English Channel. This site was once a pleasure garden and you can spot remains of path and path edging, but there are also natural rock formations – particularly in the lower part of the site. Many of the paths are sunken, so you will be eye level with tree roots given the appearance of fairy hollows. For botanists, there are rare bryophytes and lichens.

Throughout the site there are a variety of trees, and particularly in the lower part of the site there are some grand old oak trees. The site is s so steep it is very difficult for us to remove fallen trees, so we leave then safely down there, and they form excellent habitats.

Listen to the waves, and the wind in the trees. The bird song is best in the upper part of the site.

… and smell and touch

Sniff Stinking Iris – otherwise known as ‘Roast Beef Plant’.

Feel the warmth of the microclimate of the Undercliff and contrast with the cool damp rocks – you can touch the rockface in the lower part of the site, where you can also sit on the Wishing Seat and make a wish. Collect the different leaves and seeds from the many different trees, and feel the shiny leaves of Hart’s Tongue Fern, it’s all over the site. This contrast with the sharp leaves of Holly and Butcher’s Broom.

Nature at home and activities on site

We have produced a super Colouring Sheet for you to download and complete at home. We have also produced an I Spy Sheet and Map for you to print at home or download to your phone and take to the site. And become a Bug Bunch Ranger. All these activities and resources can be found h ere.

Managing the site

This is a very steep site and the land is slipping. This stresses the trees and makes them prone to disease. Therefore we occasionally need to take down a tree. It’s not very easy to extract the trees, so we will leave on site to create dead wood habitats piles.

How to get there

On foot and by bike – Footpaths V65a and V65b is the coastal path that runs through the site. Linking this to the main road and the car park is V65, V65c and V65d. Cycle access is via the main A3055 road. You seriously will not want to ride a bike on this site, but you can park at the top and walk down. There are two cycle racks between the car park and site entrance – just behind the bus stop.

By bus – Bonchurch Car Park Stop (Route 3) is right outside the entrance gate (Bus Timetables)

By car – There is a council car park (Smugglers Haven) opposite the site entrance, parking is chargeable and contributes to the running of Nansen Hill and Bonchurch Landslip. Approx site postcode for satnav PO38 1QD

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Access

The path from the car park is wide, with loose chippings and is boggy in wet weather. There is a Information Pillar at this point. The site information pillar has a QR code that links to an audible description creating a mind’s eye view of the area to allow a visually impaired person to enter with confidence. The information pillar also has a QR code that links to a map and activities. There is also a site map on the Information Pillar.

This site is not suitable for any access except on foot, and you need to be reasonably physically fit. There are many trip hazards and the entrance and paths are slippery at all times of the year. The site has many steps throughout, and some are natural stone and may be missing. There are very steep unfenced drops and therefore the site will also be hazardous for people with impaired sight or balance. Once in the site, there is no gentle access out.

The nearest public toilets are in the town of Ventnor. In opening hours you may wish to visit Smugglers Haven Tea Room for refreshments and facilities. This is very close but not open all year around.

We have written an Access Statement for this site. This includes mobility and sensory issues and opportunities. We welcome feedback from users.

We have produced an audible description creating a mind’s eye view of the area to allow a visually impaired person to enter with confidence. It will describe the entrance, the size of the area, where to find further information or help and any major obstacles or features. Information has been produced by visually impaired people ensuring it is useful and accurate. Access the description by scanning the QR code to the left of this text on your phone or tablet, or by clicking here.

Get Involved

There are various ways you can help improve and maintain our sites. We rely on volunteers to help with many tasks on our sites and also need people who are happy to regular visit the site be our “eyes and ears”, this means we can respond much quicker to issues. Our shop raises money to support our work and needs a team of volunteers. Or maybe you would like to help us with events. Find out more here.

You can also help by becoming one of our regular supporters. Even giving a few pounds each month can make a real difference, with your donation being invested into site management and improvement work to benefit site visitors and look after our precious wildlife. Sign up here.