Although, much mud is exposed in the harbour at low water, there are a number of moorings in the deeper parts of the creeks and lakes and the anchorage can become crowded at weekends during the main sailing season.
Scouts from nearby Corf Camp often make use of the Estuary for expeditions from the jetty on the shore.
The River and adjoining land are regarded as one of the best examples of an undisturbed natural harbour on the south coast of England with its varied habitats ranging from woodland, ancient meadows, mudflats and marshland.
It supports a number of rare species, but its primary importance is as a wintering ground for seabirds.
Two major landowners own most of the area designated as Newton Harbour SSSI;[3] the National Trust (the coastal section and land west of Clamerkin Brook) and the Ministry of Defence (land east of Clamerkin Brook, including Jersey Camp[4]).