Join Living Levels and naturalist Ed Drewitt for a day workshop at Newport Wetlands to explore the importance of the Severn Estuary’s saltmarsh and the birds that inhabit this harsh environment.

Twice every day, as the tide ebbs, the muddy waters of the Severn Estuary drain away to reveal around 100 sq km of intertidal land, a complex mosaic of saltmarshes, mud flats, sand banks, and rocky foreshore.

These habitats are home to a variety of bird species, which many migrate thousands of miles to overwinter here on the Gwent Levels and take advantage of the nutrient rich invertebrates living amongst the mud.

This workshop is suitable for beginners!

Highlights include:

• Introduction to the landscape and environment of the Severn Estuary & the wider Gwent Levels

• Saltmarshes and why they are important habitats for wildlife

• Identification of saltmarsh birds and a chance to spot them out from the sea wall

• Introduction to wildlife recording on the LERC Wales app

If you have a smartphone, please install the Welsh LERC App and set up an account. Once downloaded you will be able to set up an iRecord account by selecting ‘Register’ or ‘Log in’ on the app.

Top Tip: If you already have an online account with the BIS, SEWBReC or WWBIC online recording sites, you can use the same email address to link your accounts. The Cofnod online recording site uses different technology and cannot be linked.Top Tip: If you already have an online account with the BIS, SEWBReC or WWBIC online recording sites, you can use the same email address to link your accounts. The Cofnod online recording site uses different technology and cannot be linked.

Curlew - Andy Hay (rspb images)

Please note:

• A moderate level of fitness is required to part-take in the field session (10 min walk from Newport Wetlands Visitor Centre).

• There are no stiles however the terrain may be bumpy, muddy and potentially slippery.

• Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear wellies/waterproof shoes for the terrain.

*Refreshments provided. Please bring a packed lunch with you.

This is a FREE event to promote understanding and appreciation of intertidal habitats and to encourage species recording across the Gwent Levels. Species recording is an invaluable way to understand the effects of human activity on the natural world. Data gathered can be used to better inform management decisions and policies in our local area.

*There is a £5 parking charge at Newport Wetlands for non RSPB members.

Booking is essential - please book your place via our Eventbrite page below

This project is supported by: