Gwent Wildlife Trust opens new reserve
Gwent Wildlife Trust has officially opened a new reserve on the Gwent Levels.
Bridewell Common NR was officially opened by Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trusts, at a special event on 20 June.
At the event, Gwent Wildlife Trust thanked guests, including local community representatives, supporters, volunteers and staff, who had contributed to the acquisition and restoration of this beautiful 33-ha site.
Banded Demoiselle is one of many wildlife species that calls Bridewell Common home (Chris Teague).
Open to the public
Sitting within the eastern Gwent Levels, tucked below Magor and Undy, Bridewell Common was acquired by the Trust in 2020 thanks to an incredible response to a short fundraising appeal. The reserve has been closed to the public until spring this year, while a series of major restoration and safety works were carried out.
Bridewell Common sits within the Magor and Undy Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), lying upon peaty ground which has the potential to support a more diverse plantlife than elsewhere in the more clay-heavy parts of the Gwent Levels.
This vast wetland landscape, stretching from Cardiff in the west to Chepstow in the east, has been shaped by humans over millennia, giving rise to a landscape that is nationally important and recognised for its diverse community of rare aquatic plants and invertebrates.
Protecting landscapes
Craig Bennett said: "Securing the future of important and beautiful natural places like Bridewell Common is absolutely key to achieving the UK's commitment to protect at least 30% of our land and sea by 2030. Making more space for nature to become abundant once again will give our struggling wildlife the chance to recover in Wales and will also provide wonderful wild places for people to enjoy.
"Restoring these habitats is vital to store carbon and helps to tackle the climate crisis. Three cheers for Gwent Wildlife Trust and its supporters for doing such a brilliant job of saving this jewel in the Levels!"
