Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve 

Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve lies between the Severn Estuary and the River Usk on the South Wales coast. It is owned and managed by Natural Resources Wales, working in partnership with RSPB Cymru, Newport City Council and others, for the benefit of wildlife and people. The reserve was established in 2000 and was made a national nature reserve on 16 April 2008. Newport Wetlands is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve encompasses wetland, reedbed and estuary habitats.. It’s easy to get to located to the south of Newport and a short drive fro the M4 motorway. This nature reserve offers a haven for wildlife on the edge of the city covering over 438 hectares from Uskmouth to Goldcliff, the reedbeds, saline lagoons, wet grassland and scrub, have attracted a wealth of wetland birds and other wildlife. Some of the UK’s most interesting bird species are found here, including the bearded tit, dunlin, little egret, and little grebe.

 In 2020, two pairs of bittern successfully bred at the site, for the first time in south Wales for over 200 years.

With each season, the wetlands change, and new species are invited to make their home in the marshy environment. In spring, swallows and swifts arrive from Africa, whereas in summer, the insects reign supreme. There are many colourful dragonflies and butterflies to spot during this time. Autumn brings curlews and redshanks looking for food in the estuary, and winter gives spectacular scenes of over 50,000 birds taking flight just before dusk. 

There are many walking trails to choose from in the wetlands, ranging from 1 mile to a more challenging 4-mile route, which offers views as far as Exmoor on clear days. There is an accessible trail and facilities on site for ease of access, as well as a café and picnic area so that you can make the most of those sunny Welsh days. A dedicated dog walking trail is also provided in the wetlands – please note that all other trails are non-dog walking areas.

Directions & Details

RSPB Newport Wetlands Visitor Centre, West Nash Road, Nash, Newport         NP18 2BZ

CAR – Join the A48 at either junction 24 or 28 of the M4. Follow the A48 until you come to the Spytty Retail Park roundabout. Exit onto the A4810 Queensway Meadows. At the first roundabout take the third exit onto Meadows Road and follow the brown tourist signs to the reserve.

BUS – Number 63 bus from Newport city centre goes to the visitor centre, is a demand responsive service. For booking details contact Newport Bus on 01633 211202.

There is pedestrian-only access to reserve trails from dawn to dusk. The RSPB car park is open daily 9am to 5pm (locked outside of these times). The parking charge is £4 for non-members, free for members, please call at the Visitor Centre to collect an exit token.

The Visitor Centre and toilets are open 9:30am to 5pm daily.

The RSPB shop is available daily between 10am and 4:30pm and the café is available daily between 10am and 4pm (hot food served 10am to 3pm).