Newport Wetlands, Nature reserve in Newport, Wales
Newport Wetlands is a nature reserve on the coast of Wales, made up of reed beds, grazed pastures, hedgerows, and lagoons. These different habitats draw a wide variety of bird species and other wildlife throughout the year.
The reserve was created in 2000 to make up for habitats lost when the Cardiff Bay Barrage was built. Over time, the site has grown into one of the most important wetland areas in Wales.
The RSPB visitor center at West Nash offers guided walks and displays showing how local wildlife depends on these wetlands. From the observation platforms, visitors can watch birds nesting in the reed beds or flying over the lagoons.
The reserve has several miles (kilometers) of marked paths, some of which are fully accessible by wheelchair. Visiting in the early morning gives the best chance of seeing the most bird activity.
A floating pontoon walkway crosses lagoon R7 and leads directly to the East Usk Lighthouse, a cast iron structure built in 1893 that still operates today. It is rare to reach a working lighthouse by walking through a wetland reserve.
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