England · five wildlife sites
Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Isle of Wight
Explore these places for wildlife in Isle of Wight. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.
01 / 05
Newtown National Nature Reserve
Near Newtown.
- Habitat
- A tidal estuary with mudflats and saltmarsh, bordered by hay meadows and ancient woodland.
- Wildlife to look for
- Red squirrel, dark-bellied brent goose (winter), wigeon (winter), dunlin (winter) and curlew (especially in autumn and winter).
02 / 05
Brading Marshes
Near Brading.
- Habitat
- Grazing marsh, reedbeds and wet meadows along the Eastern Yar valley, with adjoining woodland.
- Wildlife to look for
- Marsh harrier, little egret, green woodpecker, red squirrel and hobby (late spring and summer).
03 / 05
Arreton Down
Near Arreton.
- Habitat
- Flower-rich chalk grassland on south-facing slopes, with scattered scrub.
- Wildlife to look for
- Skylark, yellowhammer, chalkhill blue butterfly (July and August), brown argus butterfly (spring and summer) and great green bush-cricket (summer and early autumn).
04 / 05
Alverstone Mead
Near Alverstone, near Sandown.
- Habitat
- Woodland and wet and flower-rich meadows beside the Eastern Yar.
- Wildlife to look for
- Red squirrel, kingfisher, treecreeper and water vole.
05 / 05
Newchurch Moors
Near Newchurch.
- Habitat
- Floodplain meadows, marsh, fen and woodland along the Eastern Yar valley.
- Wildlife to look for
- Red squirrel, barn owl, kingfisher, water vole and scarce chaser dragonfly (late spring and early summer).