FOR a day of watching wildlife, the Gwent Levels Wetlands Reserve is ideal. The reserve has successfully attracted wild birds to the coast of South East Wales since its opening in 2000.
Created as compensation for the loss of mudflats in Cardiff Bay, the reserve covers 437 hectares and lies next to the Severn estuary, an important site for wildlife in the UK.
Closer to home than Slimbridge, the reserve has become a popular visitor spot. In 2003, the reserve celebrated success as a pair of avocets nested in Wales for the first time and reared their chicks on the specially-created lagoons.
Visitors will also spot birds such as pintail ducks. Wading birds like curlew and lapwing spend winter at the reserve.
Wetland birds are not the only wildlife attractions on offer -- it is also a good place to see otters, as well as dragonflies and orchids.
Many footpaths cross the reserve. From the car park, there are three way-marked trails varying in length from 1.7 to 2.7 miles.
The car park has a wheelchair accessible toilet. A partnership between the RSPB and Newport City Council is developing an education and visitor centre for the reserve.
The reserve car park is on West Nash Road. From Junction 24 of the M4 take the A455 to Newport Retail Park then follow the 'duck' signs to the reserve's car park.
The car park is open from 9am to 5pm (9am to dusk in winter). Angharad Thomas
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article