Wales - The Gwent Levels (Day Trip)

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