SCHOOLCHILDREN experienced the wonders of nature in one of Newport's finest open spaces.

A recent makeover at Pilton Vale Park, next to Grove Park, has transformed the ecologically important site.

Now pupils from across the city are able to explore the flora and fauna with open-air classes in the new amphitheatre area and experience pond dipping from a specially constructed viewing platform.

Pupils, residents and visitors will also benefit from new and improved facilities such as enhanced paths, an improved orchid area, new kissing gates and boardwalks, wildlife sculptures, seating areas, new nest and bat boxes, small bluebell woodland, newly-planted trees, boardwalks and bridges over streams with alder and willow regeneration. The project was funded by the Assembly executive as compensation for losing some of Grove Park to the Cwmbran bypass.

Newport Councillor Paul Cockeram was joined by 60 pupils from Malpas schools to mark the opening of the resource earlier this week.

The pupils took the opportunity to plant saplings, position the bird and bat boxes, and explore what the site has to offer.