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Wales - The Gwent Levels (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR146A day exploring the spectacular Gwent Levels in search of a variety of birds.
£50
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Join naturalist, Marcus John or Dan Rouse, as we explore a range of wetland habitats along the Gwent coast of south-east Wales, in search of resident and migrant birds and other wildlife. The morning will be spent in and around the Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve, where waders returning from the Arctic gather in pools overlooked from the seawall. We can hope for a range of waders including Redshank, Lapwing, Dunlin and Black-tailed Godwit. Avocets may also be found along with Greenshank, Snipe and Knot, with the possibility of Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper if we are lucky. The reserve also contains one of the finest reedbeds in Wales, where both Bittern and Bearded Tit breed. We will also have time to cover a different, less-visited area of the levels, discovering the traditional meadows that lie between the network of drainage “reens”, many of which date from medieval times. Little Egrets breed here and a Glossy Ibis has even taken up residency recently!
We will enjoy wide open vistas and a whole host of special wildlife during two walks of about 3 miles each.
- Migrant waders may include Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank and Little Stint
- Bearded Tit and Bittern breed in the reedbeds
- Views of the Severn Estuary and River Usk as we explore some lesser visited areas
- Learn about the area and habitats from expert local naturalist, Dan Rouse
Day Trip Location
Dates & Prices
2026
Tour Leader: Marcus John
Marcus developed a passion for wildlife during his childhood spent in rural Somerset. He was never without ‘The Observer’s Book of Birds’ and spent all his free time walking and cycling in the countryside between Wells and Cheddar. His obsession with birds soon extended to mammals and insects, as well as wildlife photography. Over the years, he has participated in various surveys for Natural Resources Wales and the BTO. He has also led walks and presented talks at RPSB events in Wales and England and is an active member of the Gwent Ornithological Society.
After graduating from Bristol University, he started a family and embarked on a career in education – but he never missed an opportunity to travel! Over the past thirty years, he has sought out wildlife across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and the Caribbean, and has been leading Naturetrek tours since 2011.
Ten years ago, he established our first tours to Ardnamurchan, and he has returned to lead in the Scottish Highlands every year since. He has subsequently taken Naturetrek groups to many European destinations, his favourites being Iceland and the Camargue. With a life-long interest in Africa, he has relished opportunities to lead tours in Ethiopia, Tanzania and The Gambia, and also has some expertise in Caribbean wildlife, having guided groups to both Jamaica and Trinidad.
Marcus has developed a strong reputation as a naturalist guide and his approachability, friendly advice and sense of humour are always appreciated by our clients!
Tour Leader: Marcus John
Marcus developed a passion for wildlife during his childhood spent in rural Somerset. He was never without ‘The Observer’s Book of Birds’ and spent all his free time walking and cycling in the countryside between Wells and Cheddar. His obsession with birds soon extended to mammals and insects, as well as wildlife photography. Over the years, he has participated in various surveys for Natural Resources Wales and the BTO. He has also led walks and presented talks at RPSB events in Wales and England and is an active member of the Gwent Ornithological Society.
After graduating from Bristol University, he started a family and embarked on a career in education – but he never missed an opportunity to travel! Over the past thirty years, he has sought out wildlife across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and the Caribbean, and has been leading Naturetrek tours since 2011.
Ten years ago, he established our first tours to Ardnamurchan, and he has returned to lead in the Scottish Highlands every year since. He has subsequently taken Naturetrek groups to many European destinations, his favourites being Iceland and the Camargue. With a life-long interest in Africa, he has relished opportunities to lead tours in Ethiopia, Tanzania and The Gambia, and also has some expertise in Caribbean wildlife, having guided groups to both Jamaica and Trinidad.
Marcus has developed a strong reputation as a naturalist guide and his approachability, friendly advice and sense of humour are always appreciated by our clients!
Tour Leader: Marcus John
Marcus developed a passion for wildlife during his childhood spent in rural Somerset. He was never without ‘The Observer’s Book of Birds’ and spent all his free time walking and cycling in the countryside between Wells and Cheddar. His obsession with birds soon extended to mammals and insects, as well as wildlife photography. Over the years, he has participated in various surveys for Natural Resources Wales and the BTO. He has also led walks and presented talks at RPSB events in Wales and England and is an active member of the Gwent Ornithological Society.
After graduating from Bristol University, he started a family and embarked on a career in education – but he never missed an opportunity to travel! Over the past thirty years, he has sought out wildlife across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and the Caribbean, and has been leading Naturetrek tours since 2011.
Ten years ago, he established our first tours to Ardnamurchan, and he has returned to lead in the Scottish Highlands every year since. He has subsequently taken Naturetrek groups to many European destinations, his favourites being Iceland and the Camargue. With a life-long interest in Africa, he has relished opportunities to lead tours in Ethiopia, Tanzania and The Gambia, and also has some expertise in Caribbean wildlife, having guided groups to both Jamaica and Trinidad.
Marcus has developed a strong reputation as a naturalist guide and his approachability, friendly advice and sense of humour are always appreciated by our clients!
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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