The exhibition showcased at the RSPB Environmental Education and Visitor Centre at Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve (NNR) is running until the end of October and will look back at the landmarks of the last decade in the reserves’ existence.
The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) Reserve Manager Kevin Dupé said: “It’s a great opportunity for people to come and see the amazing transformation – visualising the changes give visitors a unique opportunity to see the reserve from a new perspective.”
The reserve is home to over-wintering birds such as black-tailed godwit and shoveler and is the only breeding site in Wales for avocets. Otters, water shrews, brown hares, polecats and a variety of insects also live in this industrial bordering haven.
The last ten years has seen a range of habitats establish themselves across the site. Grazed pastures, hedgerows, ditches locally know as reens, grasslands, as well as saline lagoons and the largest area of reedbeds in South Wales. Visitor numbers have soared, from 19,000 in 2004 to 80,000 in 2009 and continue to increase.
RSPB Centre Manager Lorraine Leicester said: “The popularity and success of the reserve is testament to all the hard work that has been put in by all the bodies and individuals involved, long may it continue.”
Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve including the RSPB Environmental Education and Visitor Centre is open every day throughout the year from 9am-5pm except Christmas Day.
The reserve is owned and managed by The Countryside Council for Wales who work in partnership with the RSPB and Newport Council for the benefit of wildlife and people.
