Newtown National Nature Reserve (NNR)

The National Trust reserve at Newtown is an important reserve on the Isle of Wight. The estuary has three “lakes”, which are actually tidal estuary inlets, a central area of tidal marshland, with a scrape that attracts waders, and a narrow entrance to the sea between sand spits.

At the western end is Western Haven; Causeway Lake is positioned in the centre, and Clamerkin Lake is the eastern inlet. Adjacent to the latter lie two woods, Walter’s Copse, and Town Copse; also owned by the National Trust, see separate page. The main habitat is tidal salt marsh; adjoining fields provide roosting space and the woods are home to many other birds.

The main interest of this site is for wintering waders and wildfowl but various passage migrants appear in Spring and Autumn. Ospreys sometimes prolong their stay for a few days during their Autumn migration and peregrine, merlin, hen and marsh harrier, white-tailed eagle and short-eared owls are seen from time to time.

There are two Hides - the Main Hide that has two levels - therefore allowing wheelchair access to the lower level. The East Hide, which has open public access, can be reached from Town Copse.

Please note - prior to visiting the site, it is important to plan any trip during low tide when the mud flats are exposed - hence bringing an array of birds into view.

Access, parking and amenities

The main National Trust car park (pay & display) along with visitor centre and toilets are situated opposite Newtown Old Town Hall. In addition, there is limited roadside parking next to the woods themselves.

What to look out for - Calendar

Spring (March - June)

Early morning visits to the site can reap many rewards with osprey, migrant waders such as knot, black and bar-tailed godwits, whimbrel, common sandpiper, greenshank, Mediterranean gull, little, sandwich and common terns, nightingale, yellow wagtail and wheatear.

Autumn (July - mid November)

Marsh harrier, osprey, merlin, hobby, migrant waders such as golden plover, knot, sanderling, little stint, curlew, common and green sandpiper, black and bar-tailed godwits, whimbrel, spotted redshank, greenshank, sandwich and common terns and common migrant land birds including yellow wagtail, redstart, whinchat, wheatear and spotted flycatcher.

Winter (mid November - February)

Dark-bellied brent goose, wigeon, teal, pintail, goldeneye, red-breasted merganser, spoonbill, merlin, golden plover, grey plover. ringed plover, knot, dunlin, black-tailed godwit, curlew, greenshank, kingfisher, rock pipit, fieldfare and redwing.