The Capers of Cilla
- September 2026

Hi amigos,
countryside Cilla here, yep this month I've been exploring inland for a mini break, woodland and moors. We stayed near Newchurch which is inland from Sandown on the other side of the island. It's a quiet little village with a pub, caravan site and primary school but little else. What it does have, however, is a beautiful wood and nature reserve. El campo.... bring it on for sniffing!

The main 50 hectares is Newchurch Moors which describes itself a mix of habitats, from floodplain meadow to grazed pasture, marshland, fen, river and woodland, creating a home for species such as barn owl, buzzard and dormice. The best bit is the woodland, and Elaine thought more for the story than the rabbits and rabbit poo (which I LOVED).
Martin's Wood was once part of Martin Boswell's farm growing sweetcorn. In 2001 Martin decided to give something back to nature and planted 8500 instead of corn. Isn't that amazing? Bravo Martin. And to continue the story his daughter gifted the woodland to the Wildlife Trust who still care for it. 

The woodland and surrounding Nature Reserve have many paths and streams, you can walk for an hour and only hear bird song. I stayed on a long line to respect the bunnies (much to my disgust) and the birds. Still it's a lovely tranquil place for a camino, brilliant for the wildlife and I'm sure Martin is looking down proper pleased with himself. 

Good capers: Martin Boswell, rolling in bunny poo, sniffing bunny poo

Bad capers: Long lines, spiky ferns, dried up streams