Rare birds flourishing on Gwent levels

One of the UK’s rarest and most threatened bird types has actually effectively reproduced for the 4th succeeding year on the Gwent Levels.

After formerly being driven to the point of termination, 6 bittern chicks have actually fledged from a minimum of 2 different nests at the Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve.

Before 2020, bitterns had actually not reproduced on the Gwent Levels for over 200 years however thanks to years of preservation work performed by officers and volunteers from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) they are thriving.

Bitterns are a kind of heron which live specifically in reedbeds. The types was as soon as believed to be extinct in the UK following years of persecution and a significant loss of environment, however populations have actually because gone back to locations where high quality reedbed environment still exists.

A variety of enhancements to the wetlands throughout the years, consisting of management of the reedbeds and presenting crucial food sources such as little fish like rudd and elvers, have actually assisted to develop an environment for bitterns to grow.

The reedbeds at the wetlands have actually likewise supplied an important environment for marsh harriers and bearded tits which have actually likewise reproduced at the reserve this year.

The initial set of marsh harriers fledged 12 chicks in between 2016 and 2022.The female is now a minimum of ten years old and hasn’t reproduced this year, however a brand-new, younger set have actually fledged 3 chicks.

Amazing

Kevin Dupe, Land Management Officer for Natural Resources Wales said: “It’s really incredible to see the bittern chicks flourishing at the wetlands, and a genuine accomplishment for those people who have actually been associated with environment preservation at the website for a very long time.

“Seeing them thrive for the fourth year in a row, is a real testament to the conservation effort made by the team, including our many volunteers.”

Chris Harris, Programme Manager for the Living Levels Landscape Partnership included: “It’s incredibly heartening to see the reappearance of both breeding bitterns and marsh harriers on the Levels after such a long lack.

“That these renowned wetland types have actually had the ability to recolonise Newport Wetlands is a testimony to the effort of NRW, preservation groups and volunteers.

“It likewise reveals the amazing capability of nature to recuperate, provided the chance, and ought to act as a motivation for everybody working to safeguard and improve the Gwent Levels.

Newport Wetlands belong to the Gwent Levels and are comprised of a varied series of low-lying environments which supplies an essential home for wildlife along with being an important green space and the wetlands are handled by NRW in collaboration with RSPB Cymru and Newport City Council.