It’s Autumn in South Wales, and you have so many opportunities to see its beauty at this time of year, you can drive and walk through the Wye Valley, the Brecon Beacons and we also have outstanding coastal regions. I live in Caldicot, and so all the above is very near to me, and another special area is the RSPB Newport Wetlands.
I will admit this was the first time I visited; I love nature and birds are probably my favourite native animal. We had a couple of hours to ourselves, so we wrapped up, got our boots on and headed there, looking forward to some quiet time, some nature and a nice coffee with a bit of cake.
Become a RSPB member – From as little as £5 per month, I joined up.
The Newport Wetlands are a blend of wetlands, reedbeds and estuary habitats, where you will see a variety of birds such as Lapwings, Oystercatchers, Swallows and Swifts through the summer. On warm days you’ll get to see dragonflies, bees and Grass Snakes as well as Weasels and Stouts, and if you can stay there until dusk, you’ll get to see thousands of Starlings take to the sky.
Download the trail map, to help you plan your visit.
We had a coffee and cake to start! 👇
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We decided to pop into the visitor centre after we arrived, it’s a short walk from the entrance, and really does blend into the area, they have a great boardwalk up to the entrance, and have excellent facilities including toilets, a shop and a cafe area with a beautiful view.
We left via the cafe and walked around the area there before making our way back to the main path which can take you to the lighthouse. There are many other ways to walk around the Wetlands, and I think rather than me creating a route, it’s just nice to explore and read the information boards that are everywhere, describing the nature there and what it means to the area.
The East Usk Lighthouse 👇
The East Usk lighthouse is situated at the entrance to the River Usk, and is a navigational aid for ships approaching Newport. This is a beautiful spot to walk alongside the water, and try and spot the birds as they search for food on the estuary, bring your binoculars and take a seat on one of the benches and just relax and take a break from everyday day life.
This is a really special place, and obviously it has to be looked after and preserved for the birds and other nature members, and also for future generations. Newport Wetlands do so much with the schools, and as you walk around you see someone from every generation getting something out of it. You can walk the dog, take some time out, bring the family, go for a coffee and generally just take your time and enjoy the moment.
Become a RSPB member – From as little as £5 per month, I joined up.
Like I said above, I think it’s best to just go and have an explore, there are signs guiding you all around and pointing out where things are, so you won’t get lost, and there are also a few RSPB tents scattered around and I chatted to Nathalie who joined me up, and I asked to pay £8 a month to the RSPB, it’s a very worthwhile charity, as you’ll know anyway.
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