Newport Wetlands, Nature reserve in Newport, Wales
Newport Wetlands is a 437-hectare reserve in Wales featuring grazed pastures, hedgerows, reed beds, and grasslands that create varied habitats. These different landscapes support large numbers of bird species and other wildlife.
The reserve was created in 2000 as environmental compensation for habitats lost due to the Cardiff Bay Barrage construction. The project was designed to offset damage caused by that major engineering work.
The visitor center run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds sits at West Nash and shows how local wildlife depends on these wetlands. People come here to learn about the birds and plants that make this place their home.
Seven kilometers of marked paths cross the reserve, with some routes fully accessible by wheelchair and observation platforms along the way. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather to make walking the trails more enjoyable.
A floating pontoon walkway crosses lagoon R7 and leads visitors to the East Usk Lighthouse, a cast iron structure built in 1893 that still operates today. This unexpected connection between wetland and historic lighthouse makes for a memorable part of the visit.
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