A dispute has arisen over plans to divert the King Charles III England Coast Path through New Barton Farm in Whippingham, with the Orlik family strongly opposing the inland route.
The contested section forms part of the Wootton to Cowes stretch of the 2,700-mile King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) – a government scheme designed to create a continuous public right of way around the English coastline.
New Barton Farm has been owned and run by the Orlik family since the 1970s. Covering 500 acres, it is used for growing wheat, oats, rape, silage and hay, with around 20 horses also grazing the land.
The latest proposal would see the trail cut through 2 of the farm’s fields and along private tracks. The Orliks, supported by other interested parties, are instead backing an alternative route through Osborne House and Barton Manor.
Natural England (NE) first contacted the family in 2013 and has since put forward 5 different route options. Mark Orlik says that despite years of correspondence, NE representatives have only spent about 60 minutes on-site to assess the land.
The family argue that if the current proposal goes ahead, the absence of a designated track for dog walkers could lead to crop damage and risks to livestock, particularly horses, which are drawn to dog faeces due to its cereal content. They are also concerned about the path’s proximity to a large badger sett, which is protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, and have raised fears over potential anti-social behaviour and the cost of additional security measures such as CCTV.
The proposal avoids other nearby farms that claim HiHealth herd status, though the Orliks have questioned the size of those herds.
Natural England says it explored several options to keep the route closer to the shoreline but could not secure agreement from Osborne House, Barton Manor or King’s Quay – all classed as ‘excepted from the legislation’. NE has told Island Echo that if arrangements can be made in the future, the trail could be re-routed nearer the coast.
A Natural England spokesperson said:
“We have been liaising with landowners and stakeholders for several years to develop proposals for the Isle of Wight including this length of the KCIIIECP between East Cowes and Wootton Bridge.
“Affected parties have the opportunity to comment or object to our proposals, and these will be reviewed by the Secretary of State.”
The Ramblers, Britain’s walking charity, have also raised concerns about the proposed inland route. While English Heritage pledged cooperation in 2022, it now argues the path would negatively impact conservation work and create security risks for the 10,000 royal items held at Osborne House.
Campaigners, however, point to existing public paths at heritage sites such as Blenheim Palace, Stourhead and Balmoral Castle as evidence that access can be managed effectively.
David Howarth, former Area Chair of Isle of Wight Ramblers, said:
“The new National Trail is a gift to the Island. We do not want to squander an opportunity to showcase all of our magnificent coast. A route that closely follows the coastline benefits both users and landowners by minimising the need for additional public access areas, known as spreading room.”
Natural England submitted its report to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 27th August. Comments and objections must be lodged by 23:59 on Tuesday 22nd October.
To make any representations, click here.
Cant trust the public in the countryside, keep them out!
Natural England says it explored several options to keep the route closer to the shoreline but could not secure agreement from Osborne House, Barton Manor or King’s Quay
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So, the snobby set at osborne don’t want the dirty public on their land and that is somehow ok, however, NE seem to think it is ok to impose this on land that is being used for food for the country and for horses and not accept the fact that they “cannot secure agreement from the landowner”
Tell those snobs at osborne that as this is a path named after royalty, it can go on their land.
We support island farmers and not stuck up, pretentious, snobs at a museum
Well said
To make any representations click here.
When I did that, I discovered that “Only owners, tenants or occupiers of affected land may make an objection about a coastal access report.”
Two points arise from that restriction.
1 It loads the dice in favour of Natural England/English Heritage.
2 Their (Natural England) interpretation of “Coastal access” in NOT coastal access at all if they allow this route. It should be renamed Isle of Wight Mostly Coastal Access Route.
Blenheim Palace, Stourhead and Balmoral Castle have the coastal footpath across their land, yet Osborne House, Barton Manor and King’s Quay refuse?
English Heritage behaving like some Feudal Baron – get over yourselves.
Its called the coastal path so it should be as close to the coast as possible