- Eaglehead and Bloodstone Copses
Infobox SSSI
name=Eaglehead and Bloodstone Copses
aos=Isle of Wight
interest=Biological
gridref=SZ584877
area=10.3hectare
notifydate=1987http://www.natureonthemap.org.uk/map.aspx?
]
Eaglehead and Bloodstone Copses is a 10.3 hectare
Site of special scientific interest which is south ofAshey on theIsle of Wight . The site was notified in 1987 for its biological value.This area of woodland follows a stream at the foot of
Ashey Down and is owned by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, who manage it to encouragered squirrels and other local wildlife. The stream is said to contain stones stained red by the blood of a battle between "Saxons and Danes", although this is said to be due to red algae, although it is difficult to actually find any. The position is quite a likely one for such a battle as the valley through which the stream flows forms a defensive barrier against any force attempting to attackCarisbrooke from a landing inBembridge Harbour. It could equally be the site of the battle betweenSaxons andJutes in686 CE where KingArwald was killed by KingCaedwalla .References
* [http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1000622.pdf Natural England citation sheet]
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