An early Spring trip to these wetland areas in South Wales.

Tucked between the city of Newport and the Severn estuary, Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve is one of the best sites in the country for viewing bird life and the visitor facilities here allow you to do just that.

The reserve is part of the Gwent Levels and is made up of a diverse range of low-lying habitats, including wet grassland, reedbeds, saltmarsh and saline lagoons.

There is a seven kilometre network of re-surfaced paths around the Uskmouth reedbeds, viewing screens across the deepwater channels, a raised viewing platform and bird hide.

In winter there are the largest flocks of birds - look out for merlin and peregrine falcons when the lapwing flock is startled.

Look out for big flocks of wigeon, teal, dunlin and lapwing.

In the wide open skies above the reserve you are likely to see hunting birds of prey such as peregrine, merlin and marsh harriers.