Natasha Asghar, Senedd Member for South East Wales, has called on the Welsh Government to provide more investment for Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve following her visit to the site.
Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve sits on the northern shore of the Severn estuary and is owned and managed by Natural Resources Wales.
As well as tidal mudflats, this 866 hectare site contains three main habitats: reedbed providing habitat for breeding birds such as water rail, bearded tit, bittern and marsh harrier; wet grassland, important for shrill carder bee, otter and water vole which have made a recent comeback across the Gwent Levels and saline lagoons which saw Wales first breeding pair of avocet, and it’s an important habitat to many wintering birds like wigeon, shoveler and teal.
The site is covered by designations such as SSSI, SPA, RAMSAR, SAC and SCI as well as NNR due to its importance for wildlife.
The visitor centre and car park are managed by the RSPB Cymru who provide environmental education, a range of year-round events plus a shop and café facilities.
Natasha Asghar said:
“It was enjoyable and enlightening to visit the Newport Wetlands and to hear about the great work they are doing.”
“Wetlands provide many benefits such as food and habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, water quality improvement, flood storage and shoreline erosion control.”
“They also have a high capacity to store carbon thereby helping to mitigate climate change.”
“Wetlands also provide opportunities for recreation, education, and research.”
“I am calling on the Welsh Government to invest in Newport Wetlands so they can attract even more visitors and to encourage schools to teach children about the importance of protecting the natural environment and to promote field trips to the site.”
“I feel it is vital to ensure students from schools, colleges and universities visit the site to broaden their knowledge of the wetlands and their importance to the environment.”
Sharon Thompson, RSPB Cymru Head of Policy and Advocacy, said:
“Newport Wetlands, and the wider Gwent Levels, is a wonderful place that’s home to special wildlife, a rich heritage and highly valued opportunities for recreation and learning. It’s great to have the opportunity to talk about the contribution this National Nature Reserve and the RSPB visitor centre make to the local economy and people’s well-being, and the actions needed to protect and restore the wider Gwent Levels ecosystem to its full potential.”
