There is nothing better than going out for a walk on a crisp winter’s day to help drive away those winter blues!
As this Thursday (2′nd February) is World Wetlands Day (WWD) why not head out to a wetlands reserve near you to enjoy the sights and sounds of these wildlife havens?
To celebrate the occasion at Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve, the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) is inviting people to come and enjoy a free leisurely two kilometre guided walk around the reed-beds. The walk will start at the reserve car park at 3:40pm (to accommodate those arriving by bus), and will end at 5pm. If you are arriving by bus, catch the number 63 from Newport Bus Station at 3pm.
The tantalising view from one of the hides at the Newport Wetlands reserve.
Bracing the cold and in anticipation of WWD, I decided to go down to Newport Wetlands which, during winter, is bustling with a variety of birds visiting from a colder climate. Coots, egrets and herons are common sights on the reserve’s reed-beds. Whilst the golden-eye duck, short-eared owl and merlin are a rare sight, they are real thrill to observe [if you're lucky!].
Other birds to listen out for are water rail and cetti’s warbler. The reserve is also the only breeding site for bearded-tits in Wales, so look out for them hidden in the reeds.
Work to create this wetland reserve started in 1998. Since then, the area has been transformed into a haven for wildlife and a great place for local people to relax and enjoy nature.
A pontoon snakes its way through the reed-beds at Newport Wetlands Reserve.
Four CCW Reserve Managers and a team of volunteers keep the Reserve in good working order.
According to Reserve Manager Kevin Dupé:
The reed-beds here are the largest in South Wales and, although only twelve years old, they already possess nationally important numbers of several breeding birds. We hope that marsh harriers and bittern will breed here in the next few years.
The site is also home to many mammals, amphibians, reptiles and hundreds of insects. There are otters, polecats, stoats, weasels, water shrews, frogs, toads, newts and grass snakes – all contributing to making this a great place to enjoy wildlife.
However, wetlands aren’t just great places to visit to enjoy nature. They also play a key role to play in combating climate change. In peak condition, these habitats can capture and store massive amounts of carbon that would otherwise be released into rivers and the atmosphere. They also play a key role in purifying our drinking water and can help control flood peaks.
The three kilometre network of paths around the reed-beds are easy to walk and suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Dogs are only permitted on the footpath that runs along the outside of the reed-beds. There is a designated cycle path for bikes.
Newport Wetlands Reserve is open every day over the winter from 9am-5pm except Christmas Day.
The reserve is owned and managed by The Countryside Council for Wales who work in partnership with the RSPB and Newport Council for the benefit of wildlife and people.
