Dragonfly ID course and Guided walk at Newport Wetlands

A day of celebration and discovery will bring you close to dragonflies, as we celebrate 1 year since the launch of Newport Wetlands as a Dragonfly Hotspot.

Designated by the British Dragonfly Society, in collaboration with RSPB, Natural Resources Wales and Living Levels Partnership, Dragonfly Hotspots are special places, carefully chosen because they support a good variety of dragonfly and damselfly species, are easy to access, and can provide opportunities for local communities to learn about dragonflies and get involved with dragonfly conservation and events.

Join us on Sunday 13th July to celebrate and learn more about these wonderful invertebrates. Watch damselflies dancing over ponds and dragonflies hunting along the water's edge. Delve into the deep and learn about the larval stage of the dragonfly's life cycle, living up to 5 years under the water!

The day will be jam packed with exciting activities:

• Guided dragonfly walks - ID course and guided walk with Steve Preddy, County Recorder. Please book a ticket to join his session. Start time 10am.

• Pond dipping - Open from 10:30am-2:30pm, Pay at the centre for your equipment, £4.50 each.

• Dragonfly crafting and spotting guides

• Knowledgeable guides on hand with any questions

Booking for this event is through RSPB Newport Wetlands.

Dragonfly and Damselfly Guided walk at Magor Marsh

Join the Living Levels team for a laid back discovery walk, bringing you closer to dragonflies and damselflies, as we celebrate the site's first anniversary as a designated Dragonfly Hotspot and Dragonfly Week 2025!

Designated by the British Dragonfly Society, in collaboration with RSPB, Natural Resources Wales and Living Levels Partnership, Dragonfly Hotspots are special places, carefully chosen because they support a good variety of dragonfly and damselfly species, are easy to access, and can provide opportunities for local communities to learn about dragonflies and get involved with dragonfly conservation and events.

• Led by Chris Harris, Living Levels Programme Manager and County Dragonfly Recorder for Hereford, so you’ll be in expert hands.

• See damselflies and dragonflies in action, from elegant pond skimmers to fierce aerial hunters.

• Discover their secret lives, including the fascinating larval stage, where dragonflies live underwater for up to five years before emerging in their dazzling adult form.

If you haven’t been before, Magor Marsh reserve is a peaceful mosaic of reedbeds, ponds, and wet woodlands, perfect for spotting wildlife and soaking up nature’s calm.

Spaces are limited, please book a space on our Eventbrite by following the link below:

This is a FREE event funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Farmers and landowners are essential to the maintenance of the Levels. The Living Levels team is working on a funding bid that will support nature-friendly and sustainable farming practices – and we want to hear from farmers in the area.

Bring your ideas to our free workshop.

What to expect:

• Inspiration for farming with nature

• Exciting updates from the Living Levels team

• Afternoon tea

• Your chance to help create funding priorities for sustainable farming on the Levels for the next five years.

Further details:

Our Guest Speaker will be Emma Douglas of Gower Meadow Beef, who farms Welsh Black and Dexter cattle and undertakes conservation grazing. She is the Wales Facilitator for Pasture for Life and is on the Wales steering panel of the Nature Friendly Farming Network.

We also hope to inspire farmers with a couple of short films, one about farming on the Levels that was created as part of the successful Sustaining the Gwent Levels Sustainable Management Scheme in 2023, and one on sustainable dairy farming.

There will also be an introduction to JustLanz, a UK-wide research project on making net zero fair for farmers.

The main focus of the afternoon will be time to gather and discuss your ideas for what could and should be prioritised in a bid for funding for sustainable and nature-friendly farming during the next five years. We have a couple of ideas, but we would like to know what is important to you.

Booking, attending and contributing:

The afternoon is free, but please book a space below before midday Tuesday 10th June.

Parking is limited, so please arrange a lift if possible.

If you can’t make it to the workshop but have an idea you would like to share with us, please email it to info@livinglevels.org.uk

Come along to Hendre Lake for a nature filled day with lots of free, fun activities for all ages.

• Games & Bug Hunts

• Bee & Pollinator Walk

• Badge making & crafts

• Colouring in competition

• Guided Bird Walks

• Cyanotype printing

• Learn about volunteering in nature & training workshops

• CVST cash only Raffle with a top prize of a Family Pass to Cefn Mably

• Learn about the wonderful wildlife here on the Gwent Levels

Everyone welcome! No need to book just pop along and take part in the activities and learn more about what the Conservation Volunteers of St Mellons & Trowbridge are doing to maintain and improve local green spaces for wildlife and future generations.

Immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of the natural world at Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Magor Marsh.

As part of our new pilot project, Wellness on Every Level, we’re hosting a series of guided walks designed to inspire people living on or near the Gwent Levels to not only explore this unique landscape but to experience the profound benefits that spending time outdoors can have.  

Spending time outdoors isn’t just enjoyable, it’s good for us. Nature is a powerful force for wellbeing, whether it’s the soothing rhythm of waves, the rustling of reeds, or the joyful chorus of birdsong. This walk isn’t about naming or identifying what we hear; it’s about slowing down, tuning in, and truly listening. 

Join us on this low impact walk and take a moment to pause, breathe, and let the sounds of Magor Marsh reconnect you with the simple joy of being present in nature. 

This is a FREE event funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Join us for a day of tree-mendous fun this half term at Caldicot Castle!

As part of our new pilot project, Wellness on Every Level, we’re hosting a series of guided walks designed to inspire people living on or near the Gwent Levels to not only explore this unique landscape but to experience the profound benefits that spending time outdoors can have.   

Come along for a laid back, fun-filled nature walk, perfect for families! As we wander through the trees, we’ll take a moment to notice the different shapes, textures, and colours that make each one unique. 

But this isn’t just any walk, it’s a chance to get hands-on and reconnect with nature! Try bark rubbing to capture cool textures, go on a hue hunt to spot all the different colours around you, and even have a go a shadow drawing to appreciate and capture the different shapes of nature… There’s something for every curious mind! 

Whether you're looking to slow down, reconnect with the outdoors, or just enjoy some fresh air with the family, this is your chance to relax, explore, and let nature do its thing. 

All ages welcome - just bring a sense of adventure! 

Meet in the car park by the playground!

Please note:

• This is a gentle walk with no stiles however the terrain may be uneven and potentially slippery.

• Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for the terrain.

  This is a FREE event funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Awaken Your Senses: A Restorative Walk Along the Severn Estuary

Step out into nature and reconnect with the world around you on this gentle, immersive walk along the stunning Severn Estuary.

As part of our new pilot project, Wellness on Every Level, we’re hosting a series of guided walks designed to inspire people living on or near the Gwent Levels to not only explore this unique landscape but to experience the profound benefits that spending time outdoors can have.

Spending time outdoors isn’t just enjoyable, it’s good for us. Nature is a powerful force for wellbeing, whether it’s the soothing rhythm of waves, the rustling of reeds, or the joyful chorus of birdsong. Studies show that simply listening to nature can lower stress, while even gazing at flowers has the ability to lift our mood.

Come along for a relaxing, refreshing walk where nature does the work! We’ll engage all our senses as we explore the rich saltmarsh, helping us slow down, clear our minds, and feel more connected to the world around us.

Please note:

• This is a gentle walk with no stiles however the terrain may be uneven and potentially slippery.

• Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for the terrain.

Please book a space below

Parking is at Peterstone Lakes Golf Club - please use the car park behind the golf club building.

This is a FREE event funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Save the Six Bells, Living Levels, Gwent Wildlife Trust and Newport Local Nature Partnership are teaming up to bring you a day packed with nature-themed fun to celebrate the local wildlife of the Gwent Levels and take part in the City Nature Challenge 2025!

What to expect:  

This drop-in style event is perfect for all ages and offers a mix of hands-on nature activities.

• Discover water voles, otters and other wildlife with Gwent Wildlife Trust. Learn how to spot sign of these secretive species and what’s being done locally to protect them. 

• Take part in the City Nature Challenge! Get hands-on identifying wildlife with nature guides, microscopes, binoculars, bug pots, and sweep nets *please download the iNaturalist app

• Discover your green thumb with Blas Gwent, sow your own fruit and veg to take home and watch grow.   

• Join a guided walk to the sea wall and saltmarsh with Living Levels, a great chance to explore and learn about this unique habitat (12:30pm) 

• Get creative with a variety of nature themed crafts, including badge making

• Find out more about the exciting vision to transform the Six Bells pub into a nature-friendly visitor centre. Share your ideas and tell us what you’d love to see in the community!

Bring your curiosity, your family/friends, and your love for local wildlife – we’ll provide the rest.

Drop in anytime between 10am and 2pm - so we can get idea of numbers please reserve your spot below:

Parking is limited, please car share where possible. Local bus routes are available from Newport Bus Station - https://www.newportbus.co.uk/services/NT0/31A

Farmers and landowners are essential to the maintenance of the Levels. The Living Levels team is working on a funding bid that will support nature-friendly and sustainable farming practices – and we want to hear from farmers in the area. Bring your ideas to our free workshop.

What to expect:

• Inspiration for farming with nature

• Exciting updates from the Living Levels team

• Afternoon tea

• Your chance to help create funding priorities for sustainable farming on the Levels for the next five years.

Further details:

Our Guest Speaker will be Emma Douglas of Gower Meadow Beef, who farms Welsh Black and Dexter cattle and undertakes conservation grazing. She is the Wales Facilitator for Pasture for Life and is on the Wales steering panel of the Nature Friendly Farming Network.

We also hope to inspire farmers with a couple of short films, one about farming on the Levels that was created as part of the successful Sustaining the Gwent Levels Sustainable Management Scheme in 2023, and one on sustainable dairy farming.

There will also be an introduction to JustLanz, a UK-wide research project on making net zero fair for farmers.

The main focus of the afternoon will be time to gather and discuss your ideas for what could and should be prioritised in a bid for funding for sustainable and nature-friendly farming during the next five years. We have a couple of ideas, but we would like to know what is important to you.

Booking, attending and contributing:

The afternoon is free, but please book a space below before midday Tuesday 8th April.

Parking is limited, so please arrange a lift if possible.

If you can’t make it to the workshop but have an idea you would like to share with us, please email it to info@livinglevels.org.uk

The word Aber refers to the culturally significant areas in Wales where water meets land, and this project aims to encourage local communities to creatively share their experiences of living near estuaries, including Mor Hafren.

From the natural rhythms of estuary tides to the urban pulse of nearby cities, we’ll explore the layers of sound that surround us every day. Examine how soundscapes influence our emotions and perceptions, and how they are both a powerful medium for artistic expression and a valuable tool in environmental research.

What to expect from the day:

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll be introduced to the art of soundscapes - what they are, their history and how they’ve evolved over time. We’ll also think about how we categorise the sounds that shape our environments and how we connect with natural sounds and discover the hidden sounds that surround us every day.

Awaken your senses with expert naturalist Ed Drewitt during a guided walk to uncover the hidden symphony and voices of the wetlands. You’ll then have the opportunity to try sound recording for yourself using specialist equipment. Expert tutors from Community Music Wales will be on hand to help you explore how these sounds can be used in creative and educational ways using specialist software.

We’ll also think about how sound can be used in citizen science projects to record species on the Gwent Levels. Wildlife 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.

Need to knows:

This workshop is open to everyone - no previous experience required! Just bring your curiosity and love for the environment! Whether you’re an artist, musician, or nature lover, this is a chance to engage with the natural world in a new and exciting way.

If you play an instrument, feel free to bring it along and work with the Community Music Wales tutors to create a piece of music inspired by the sounds of the wetlands.

There will be a limited number of laptops, tablets and recording equipment available on the day. Please bring your own laptop/tablet if you have access to one and recording equipment if you own any – smartphones are an underrated resource!

Come and experience how the sounds of nature can inspire, educate, and connect us all!

• A moderate fitness is required to take part in the nature walk and collect nature recordings.

• Refreshments are available throughout the day but please bring a packed lunch or make use of the on-site cafe.

• Parking is £5 all day for non RSPB members or free for members.

Booking required - please reserve a space through our Eventbrite:

The word Aber refers to the culturally significant areas in Wales where water meets land, and this project aims to encourage local communities to creatively share their experiences of living near estuaries, including Mor Hafren.

From the natural rhythms of estuary tides to the urban pulse of nearby cities, we’ll explore the layers of sound that surround us every day. Examine how soundscapes influence our emotions and perceptions, and how they are both a powerful medium for artistic expression and a valuable tool in environmental research.

What to expect from the day:

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll be introduced to the art of soundscapes - what they are, their history and how they’ve evolved over time. We’ll also think about how we categorise the sounds that shape our environments and how we connect with natural sounds and discover the hidden sounds that surround us every day.

Awaken your senses with expert naturalist Ed Drewitt during a guided walk to uncover the hidden symphony and voices of the wetlands. You’ll then have the opportunity to try sound recording for yourself using specialist equipment. Expert tutors from Community Music Wales will be on hand to help you explore how these sounds can be used in creative and educational ways using specialist software.

We’ll also think about how sound can be used in citizen science projects to record species on the Gwent Levels. Wildlife 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.

Need to knows:

This workshop is open to everyone - no previous experience required! Just bring your curiosity and love for the environment! Whether you’re an artist, musician, or nature lover, this is a chance to engage with the natural world in a new and exciting way.

If you play an instrument, feel free to bring it along and work with the Community Music Wales tutors to create a piece of music inspired by the sounds of the wetlands.

There will be a limited number of laptops, tablets and recording equipment available on the day. Please bring your own laptop/tablet if you have access to one and recording equipment if you own any – smartphones are an underrated resource!

Come and experience how the sounds of nature can inspire, educate, and connect us all!

• A moderate fitness is required to take part in the nature walk and collect nature recordings.

• Refreshments are available throughout the day but please bring a packed lunch or make use of the on-site cafe.

• Parking is £5 all day for non RSPB members or free for members.

Booking required - please reserve a space through our Eventbrite:

Interested in sound recording?  

Join Community Music Wales for an online talk, to learn more about how to make your very own soundscapes as part of our collaborative 'Sound Levels x Aber i Aber' series all about sound!

The word "Aber" refers to culturally significant areas in Wales where water meets land, and this project invites local communities to creatively share their experiences of living near estuaries on the Welsh coastline, including Mor Hafren.

What to expect:

• Learn more about how soundscapes are made and give it a go for yourself.

• Learn ways to maximize the potential of your smartphone for sound recording

• How to use simple sound editing software, such as BandLab, to enhance your recordings

Whether you're a curious beginner or someone looking to deepen your understanding of sound, this online session will offer valuable insights and practical skills for soundscape recording and creation.

We hope this will set the stage for further exploration into the creative and environmental applications of sound design.

The event will conclude with a short Q&A session. 

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

Join Living Levels and Community Music Wales for an online talk, the first in our collaborative Sound Levels x Aber i Aber series.

The word "Aber" refers to culturally significant areas in Wales where water meets land, and this project invites local communities to creatively share their experiences of living near estuaries on the Welsh coastline, including Mor Hafren.   

In this introductory session, Joel from Community Music Wales will guide us through the intriguing concept of soundscapes—what they are, their history, how they’ve evolved over time, and how we categorise the sounds that shape our environments. 

From the natural rhythms of estuary tides to the urban pulse of nearby cities, we’ll explore the layers of sound that surround us every day.

We’ll examine how soundscapes influence our emotions and perceptions, and how they are both a powerful medium for artistic expression and a valuable tool in environmental research.

We will also showcase inspiring sound-based projects, including exciting initiatives taking place right here on the Gwent Levels. 

This talk is ideal for anyone curious about the role of sound in our daily lives, those interested in sound design, environmental studies, or simply looking to engage with the world in a new auditory way. No prior experience required! 

The event will conclude with a short Q&A session. 

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

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.

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:

Join Living Levels and naturalist Ed Drewitt for a day workshop at Peterstone Lakes Golf Club 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 to 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.

Please note:

• A moderate level of fitness is required to part-take in the field session (10 min walk)

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

• There is a short but steep incline.

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

*Refreshments provided but 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.

This project is supported by:

Join Living Levels and naturalist Ed Drewitt for an evening talk at Maindee Library + to explore the importance of the Severn Estuary’s intertidal zone.

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 wide range of plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else. Many are specially adapted to live in the harsh intertidal zone, with its widely fluctuating temperatures and salinity. Together they create an ecosystem as rich and varied as any tropical rainforest.

Highlights include:

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

• Identification of the intertidal zone, key habitats and species

• Introduction to surveying and wildlife recording

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.

Refreshments provided!

Please note there is no parking on site. The nearest car park is Maindee Car Park (pay and display) and there is a bus stop outside the venue - please visit the Newport Bus website for timetables. Newport Train Station is also a 20 minute walk away.

This project is supported by:

Join Living Levels and naturalist Ed Drewitt for an online evening talk to explore the importance of the Severn Estuary’s intertidal zone.

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 wide range of plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else. Many are specially adapted to live in the harsh intertidal zone, with its widely fluctuating temperatures and salinity. Together they create an ecosystem as rich and varied as any tropical rainforest.

Highlights include:

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

• Identification of the intertidal zone, key habitats and species

• Introduction to surveying and wildlife recording

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.

This is an online event. To receive the details to sign into the event, please book your place via our Eventbrite page.

This project is supported by: