Chines

Chines are the remains of ancient river valleys, now mostly small gullies leading down to the sea. The term "chine" is only used on the Isle of Wight and parts of Dorset and Hampshire. As the walls of the chines and cliffs of the south coast of the Isle of Wight are so unstable and erode continually, the strata is clearly visible. Chines are therefore very important for their fossil records, their archaeology and the unique flora and fauna to which they provide shelter.

There is also some fascinating folklore attached to the chines because of their history with local smuggling, fishing and shipwrecks. Chines are very dependent on the farmed landscape around them because crops are grown right up to the edges of the chines themselves and water drains into the chines from this farmland.