Priory Woods

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Priory Woods
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Area of Search Isle of Wight
Grid reference SZ635900
InterestGeological
Area2.94 hectare
Notification 1998
Location map Natural England


Priory Woods (grid reference SZ635900 ) is a 2.94 hectare geological Site of Special Scientific Interest near the town of Bembridge, Isle of Wight, notified in 1998. [1] [2] It is a National Trust property and is served by a public footpath. Concealed within it is "The Priory Oyster" - an oyster bar attached to the Priory Bay Hotel and open only in the height of summer. It has significant recent archaeology with the remains of a sea wall and rusted iron railings. Acheulean hand axes have been found in strata dated from c.400,000 years ago, which would indicate their users were early Neanderthals or late Homo heidelbergensis . The woods overlook Priory Bay and its private beach.

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References

  1. "Priory Woods citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England.
  2. "Map of Priory Woods". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England.

Coordinates: 50°42′22″N1°06′08″W / 50.70618°N 1.10210°W / 50.70618; -1.10210