King Charles coast path threatens IoW farm’s future

A family-run farm on the Isle of Wight is urging Natural England to rethink plans for a section of the King Charles III England Coast Path, which they say would cut through productive farmland and pose safety and biosecurity risks.

The controversial stretch is part of the Wootton to Cowes section of the 2,700-mile King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) – a flagship government project designed to create a continuous public right of way around the entire English coastline.

While the project aims to improve public access to the coast and support tourism and health, the proposed route on the Isle of Wight has drawn criticism for taking a significant inland detour – up to 3.1 miles (5km) away from the shoreline in places.

See also: Farmer Focus: A royal invitation to the Crown Estate

At New Barton Farm, which is based on the Barton Estate, in the north-east of the island, the Orlik family, who have farmed the land for two generations, says the planned path would run through two of their fields and along private farm tracks – despite the land being well away from the coast.

Mark Orlik, who owns and runs the 220ha mixed farm, says he is deeply concerned about the risks of allowing dogs and walkers through working fields, where crops are grown for human consumption.

“Representatives from Natural England only spent one hour visiting us to discuss the proposed route through our farm.

“They didn’t even bother going down to Barton Manor Bay to assess an alternative route nearer the coast.

“The England Coast path was promised as a continuous coastal walk, but on the Isle of Wight, walkers are now facing a 5km inland detour along busy roads and through a working farm.

“How is Natural England allowing this to happen and not supporting farmers to grow crops and manage the wildlife habitat to maintain a sustainable ecosystem?”

Potential disruption

The Orlik family fears that if the proposed path is introduced, there is no designated path for dog walkers to stick to, which would potentially disrupt and damage crops and endanger livestock including sheep and horses.

“Dog fouling in the field is a serious issue,” Mr Orlik said.

“It poses contamination risks to the food supply chain and puts unnecessary stress on our horses.”

The route would also direct walkers along a busy 40mph road with no pavements, raising further safety concerns.

Instead, the Orliks and the Ramblers’ Association are backing an alternative route through Barton Manor Beach and Osborne Bay, which would keep walkers closer to the coast and off working farmland and roads. 

However, both sites are privately owned – Barton Manor by a second-home owner from London, and Osborne Bay by the Crown, which is managed by English Heritage.

“The irony is, they want to call this route the King Charles III England Coast Path but it’s not on the King’s land instead through neighbouring farmland,” said Fleur Orlik, the next generation farmer of New Barton Farm.

Plea for rethink

The family is calling on Natural England, The Crown and government officials to reconsider the alignment and engage more openly with landowners affected by the plans.

A spokesperson for Natural England 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.”

• Have your say on the consultation before 23 October 2025.