The Town of Shields is located in the Upper Fox River Basin, which is divided into several smaller watersheds. The eastern portion of the Town lies in the Mecan River Watershed, which spans 148 square miles. The area is characterized by high-quality cold water fisheries, large wetlands, and smaller drainage and seepage lakes. The land use in this region is primarily agricultural and open.
To assess future population growth trends, the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (ECWRPC) prepared forecasts for the Town. The State projects that the Town will have a population of 476 in 10 years, but will be less than half that size by then. The forecasts will help Shields calculate future housing unit needs. The ECWRPC's study is available in Chapter Six: Housing and Neighborhood Development.
The town is a popular destination for tourists. The Shields river and its surrounding countryside provide a picturesque backdrop to the city. Its proximity to Newcastle and the Tyne River makes it an easy commuter city. In the 19th century, the town expanded, with the population increasing from a population of 12,000 in 1801 to seventy-five thousand by the 1860s.
The city also enjoys significant public and private investment. Its Metro stations are located in Chichester and Tyne Dock. Additionally, there is a National Express coach service to London. In addition to the Metro, Shields has a network of strategic footpaths and cycle routes. The area is home to Britain's second-oldest lifeboat, the Tyne. The town's historic buildings, including the Victorian buildings, have been restored and are now used as a secondary entrance for Metro stations.