The National Trust are considering applying for a Harbour Improvement Order for Newtown to enable them to exercise the same powers as a Harbour Authority. Newtown Harbour is now upgraded from a Local to a National Nature Reserve. It is a popular anchorage for leisure craft using the Solent and at times is very crowded. Clearly, careful management of the harbour is necessary though some regard a formal Harbour Authority as a heavy-handed response to seasonal pressures. The Society is among some 90 organisations being consulted. No decision to proceed has yet been taken. The Society’s Council welcomes members’ views in order to influence the National Trust’s thinking.