Nature Reserves

Newport Wetlands Reserve

This wildlife reserve is situated on part of the tranquil Gwent Levels, at the edge of the city of Newport, and was created to compensate for the loss of the mudflats of Cardiff Bay. The reserve is owned and run by the Countryside Council for Wales (opens new website), who work in partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Newport City Council.

Covering over 438 hectares from Uskmouth to Goldcliff, the reed beds, saline lagoons, wet grassland and scrub, have attracted a wealth of wetland birds. The Reserve is also an excellent place to see orchids, butterflies, dragonflies and otters. Footpaths cross the Reserve and there is a cycle track from Uskmouth.

From the car park, there are 3 way-marked trails varying in length from 2.74km (1.7 miles) to 4.36km (2.7 miles). The paths are surfaced but may be rough in places with some loose stones. The paths cross level ground, although there are slopes to get up to the reed beds which are 5m higher than the original land.

Visitor Centre

The Environmental Education and Visitor Centre at the Reserve opened in March 2008 and is a place to relax, watch birds and learn about the environment.

The Centre, which is owned and run by the RSPB, houses a shop and café for visitors, an education room, activities and events and conference facilities for local businesses and community groups. Guided walks around the Reserve can be arranged.

Opening times

The Reserve is open between 9.00am – 5.00pm (or dusk in winter months).

Events in 2009

Events take place throughout the year. See the RSPB website (opens new website) or contact the Visitor Centre on (01633) 636363 for details.

Directions

The Reserve car park is on West Nash Road, between Nash Village and Uskmouth Power Station.

From the M4 Junction 24 or 28 take the A48 (Southern Distributor Road) to the southern industrial area, then follow the ‘Brown Duck’ signs from near Newport Retail Park to the Reserve.

Buses leave from the main bus station on Kingsway in Newport city centre, (stand 29); see the Newport Transport Website (opens new site) for timetable.

For further details please contact: