COUNTRY LIFE
Pop-up Camping with
the National Trust
Exclusive ‘one night only’ summer camping on the
Isle of Wight’s only National Nature Reserve
T
his summer the National Trust,
in partnership with our official
outdoor retailer Cotswold Outdoor,
is hosting the Big Camp in London and
the South East - a unique opportunity to
camp somewhere truly special.
For ‘one night only’, on Saturday 16
July, you can spend the night under
the stars on the Island’s only National
Nature Reserve - at Newtown. This
picturesque retreat has flower-rich hay
meadows, ancient woodland – home to
78
By Joanna Cross, Marketing
and Communications,
National Trust
butterflies and red squirrels – rare salt
marsh teaming with wildlife, and a pretty
harbour filled with bobbing boats.
Set up camp in a meadow, and explore
the Reserve in the late afternoon sun,
on one of the self-guided trails. With the
long summer days now here, there’ll be
plenty of time to explore the woods and
creeks before sunset.
The meadows, woods and wetlands
are brilliant places for younger visitors
to tick off some ‘50 things to do before
you’re 11¾’ challenges, like bug-hunting,
tracking wild animals and bird watching.
Then return to tuck into freshly
cooked food from our barbecue. Once
it’s properly dark, you can discover what
creatures come out at night as you tune
in your senses on a night walk with our
rangers. Look out for shooting stars and
explore the constellations and planets
with the Island’s Vectis Astronomers,
who’ll be setting up their telescopes.
At Newtown there’s no need for an
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