Newport Wetlands

Lots to see

This week the wetlands were swarming with brightly coloured birds. Not just mallards on the ponds, but crayoned masks covering faces of children enjoying the outdoors and warm toasty cafe.

The air was filled with shrieks of laughter and shouts of excitement. The paths were awash with pushchairs and children kitted out in wellies and anoraks.

A coot hidden in the reed beds

This was half-term.  Generally this area is a place of quiet solitude. The odd dog-walker or jogger visible on the perimeter with birdspotters heading out amongst the reed beds towards the nearest hide, their cameras at the ready and tripods balanced over their shoulders.



Run by the RSPB, the shop provides information on birds you are likely to see as well as food and equipment to encourage wildlife into your own garden.  At half-term  they also provide paper and crayons and throughout the year arrange interesting projects for all the family to enjoy.

Judith James is the Artist in Residence 2014 and a selection of her paintings can be seen at the RSPB Newport Wetlands Centre.  She is regularly on site painting and drawing, holding 'open studio' sessions. Later in the year, as her project develops, she will be holding workshops for children and for adults.

For more information on Judith James, use the link below:

www.saa.co.uk/art/judithjames

Visits to the Wetlands are free of charge, but projects do incur a small charge.