Stories from The Levels
Explore the landscape, history and wildlife of the Gwent Levels
Landscape
Great Traston Meadow nature reserve is an example of grazing marsh, a traditional type of landscape on the Levels.
Sitting on the edge of the Gwent Levels, between the wide expanse of the Severn Estuary and the mouth of the River Usk, lies the Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve.
Lave netting is an ancient method of salmon fishing first recorded on the Severn Estuary in the 1700s.
The village church of Bishton is more than 600 years old. Yet its full name – the Church of St Cadwaladr – demonstrates far older origins.
The remarkable Newport Transporter Bridge is one of only six operational transporter bridges left world wide from a total of twenty constructed.
This imposing mansion is one of the most historically important 17th century houses in Britain, home of the Morgan family for over 500 years.
Magor Marsh is one of the last fragments of fenland on the Gwent Levels, a landscape which has existed here for thousands of years.
History
Maps can tell us a lot about the history of our landscape, if you know how to ‘read’ them.
In 2002, during construction of the Newport Riverfront Arts Centre on the west bank of the River Usk, the remains of a 15th century ship were discovered.
In about 1113, the Norman Lord of Caerleon, Robert de Chandos, granted land at Goldcliff for the founding of the Benedictine Priory of St Mary Magdalene.
On 30th January 1607, sea walls either side of the Severn Estuary were overwhelmed by flood waters.
In 1878, an inscribed Roman era stone, known as the 'Goldcliff Stone', was discovered near the sea wall at Goldcliff.
In 1531, King Henry VIII passed the Act of Sewers, creating Commissioners and Courts of Sewers.
Wildlife
After an absence of around 400 years, common cranes are once more nesting on the Levels.
Head down to Newport Wetlands just before dusk in Autumn or Winter and you could be in for one of the most spectacular displays in nature - a starling murmuration.
The shrill carder bee is one of the UK’s rarest bumblebees, and is now only found in 7 areas in Wales and southern England.