However, much of the down, approximately 35 hectares (86 acres), is open to the public and is owned by the Isle of Wight Council and managed by Gift to Nature.

The thin chalk soils to the east of the site support a typical downland plant community with pyramidal orchids being a particular feature in the summer.

[3] In addition to the wildlife interest of chalk downland, the ancient field system on Brading Down is a Scheduled Monument.

This is likely to be of late Iron Age or Roman date and highlights the last time the fields were ploughed.

Further down the slopes, First World War practice trenches and former chalk pits show evidence of more recent archaeological interest.