One of the UK’s rarest and most threatened bird species continues to thrive at Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve

One of the UK’s rarest and most threatened bird species continues to thrive at Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve - Natural Resources Wales

After previously being driven to the point of extinction, one of the UK’s rarest and most threatened bird species has successfully bred for the fourth successive year on the Gwent Levels in south Wales

Thanks to years of conservation work carried out by officers and volunteers from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) bitterns are continuing to thrive at the Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve, and six bittern chicks have fledged from at least two separate nests this summer.

Before 2020, bitterns had previously not bred on the Gwent Levels for over 200 years.

The wetlands are managed by NRW in partnership with RSPB Cymru and Newport City Council.

Bitterns are a type of heron which live exclusively in reedbeds. The species was once thought to be extinct in the UK following years of persecution and a dramatic loss of habitat, but populations have since returned to areas where high quality reedbed habitat still exists.

A number of improvements to the wetlands over the years, including careful management of the reedbeds and introducing important food sources such as small fish like Rudd and Elvers, have helped to create a good habitat for bitterns to thrive.

The reedbeds at the wetlands have also provided a valuable habitat for marsh harriers and bearded tits who has also bred at the reserve this year.

The original pair of marsh harriers fledged 12 chicks between 2016 and 2022.The female is now at least 10 years old and hasn’t bred this year, but a new, younger pair have fledged 3 chicks.

Kevin Dupe, Land Management Officer for Natural Resources Wales said: “It’s truly amazing to see the bittern chicks thriving at the wetlands, and a real achievement for those of us who have been involved in habitat conservation at the site for a 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.”