Newtown National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall

Take a gentle stroll through the varied habitats of the Island’s only National Nature Reserve, and visit a hamlet with a colourful past.

Newtown may only cover 1530 acres, but it’s home to hundreds of species of wildlife. In autumn, the creeks below and skies above fill with birds migrating to and from the Reserve. But it’s not just avian life that calls Newtown home. You’ll also find all sorts of other wildlife to spot here.

As the cooler weather changes the hedgerows and trees to deep reds and rich golds, young visitors can follow the trail through the lanes and meadows of Newtown to discover the plump berries and crunchy nuts that grow here.

Whether its walking, cycling, family fun, wildlife or history that interests you, you can find it all on the Isle of Wight.

Newtown's Old Town Hall has existed on this site since the 13th century but the road to its ongoing survival hasn't been smooth.

In the late 1920s, Ferguson's Gang saved our Old Town Hall. Find out why they did it and who they were.

Discover how Walters Copse has changed from meadow land in the middle ages to the special group of trees we now find here today.

Although no commercial salt has been made here for over 80 years, the salt lagoons were once part of a thriving industry.

We carefully look after Newtown's meadows so that they are filled with delicate wildflowers in summer which support colourful butterflies and important insects.

Meet our flock of Hebridean sheep and discover what's so special about them and how they help us care for our Nature Reserve.