NEWPORT'S nature reserve is now welcoming more than 85,000 visitors a year, figures show.

The Newport Wetlands national nature reserve, which is in the top five RSPB reserves in the country, is pulling in the tens of thousands of visitors each year.

The reserve, which also includes the RSPB environmental education and visitor centre, is owned and managed by the Countryside Council for Wales who work in partnership with the RSPB and Newport council.

Four reserve managers and a team of volunteers run the reserve.

Reserve manager, Kevin Dupe said: "The wetlands is a haven for wildlife and a great place for local people to relax and enjoy nature."

Lliswerry ward councillor, Allan Morris said: "It is absolutely delightful news. The place is going from strength to strength and is a huge success story not just for Newport but for the RSPB as well."

The reserve is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day, from 9am until 5pm.

EDITORIAL COMMENT: Wetlands on a natural high

IT CLOSES to the public only one day a year, which might be just part of the reason why Newport Wetlands reserve has grown to become such a significant visitor attraction.

We all know that whatever the time of year and whatever the weather, Newport Wetlands will welcome visitors.

No fewer than 85,000 people a year are visiting the reserve, which is impressive by any measure and which makes it one of the top five RSPB reserves in the UK.

Created 11 years ago to compensate for the loss of mudflats because of the Cardiff Bay development, it has exceeded all expectations.

It's marked trails, reed beds, saline lagoons and grassland combine to create a peaceful haven of which Newport can be proud. They also attract a wealth of wetland birds, butterflies, dragonflies and otters.

Three years ago an attractive visitor centre with cafe was built at the site and this has no doubt help boost visitor numbers and made the reserve even more of a draw.

The reserve, which also includes the RSPB-run environmental education and visitor centre, is owned and managed by the Countryside Council for Wales in partnership with the RSPB and Newport council.

It is great for city dwellers to have such a fantastic open space right on their doorstep. We have no doubt this reserve will go from strength to strength.