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Landscapes

Chalk Downs

The muddy shore in estuaries and creeks is revealed at low tide and can be very wide. These intertidal areas are important places for wildlife. Birds particularly visit tidal rivers at low tide to roost and feed on the minibeasts that live in the soft mud. From prehistoric times these harbours and creeks have been important for trade and transport. Although some estuaries on the Isle of Wight are still wild and natural places, others today are busy with people sailing, rowing and fishing, as well as working vessels.