Mild winters and long summers encourage a huge variety of crops to thrive, and sheep, cattle, chickens and turkeys prosper in its lush countryside. Crab and lobster are caught all along the Eastern coastline, from Ventnor to Bembridge, with local prawns available in season. Other treats from the surrounding sea include black bream, sea bass, sole, grey mullet, mackerel and plaice, although Island fishermen often land fish from the ocean’s elite too, including squid, skate and turbot. For those with foraging tendencies, wild garlic leaves, mushrooms and hedgerow fruits can be picked on woodland walks; or head to the beach to find razor clams, seaweed and samphire.
