Aerial view of Bridewell Common after restoration works looking towards Magor Marsh reserve, 2024. Credit Rob Waller.
An aerial view of Bridewell Common, looking towards our Magor Marsh Reserve (top left). Photo by Rob Waller.
Over the past 5 years we have worked incredibly hard slowly restoring the nationally important features that make this landscape so special.
What we’ve restored for people and nature includes:
- More than a 1 km of dry double hedged ditches which are now full of water and thriving with wildlife,
- We have re -pollarded more than 20 ancient willows to help them survive into the future and continue to provide multiple niches for the wealth of nationally important invertebrates that they support,
- Wildflower seed has been applied which was harvested from Great Traston Meadows Nature Reserve and as a result diversity across all fields is increasing now year on year,
- Water voles are thriving in our newly opened up ditches,
- Barn owl boxes placed on site have reared successful chicks year on year,
- A new orchard featuring special Gwent Levels varieties has been planted,
- And new sluices, bridges, gates and interpretation now provides a trail for visitors to enjoy this special place
Bridewell Common Reen. Credit Hugh Gregory.
Bridewell Common - Reed Warbler. Credit Hugh Gregory.
Bridewell Common reducing mature willows, Aug 2022. Credit Ben Boylett.
Bridewell Common Causeway roadside pollards before work, 2022. Credit Ben Boylett.
A shaded ditch before restoration work showing only ivy on the ground and holding minimal water. Credit Lowri Watkins.
Restored ditches at Bridewell Common, March 2023. Credit Lowri Watkins.
Thanks for supporting our Gwent Levels nature recovery work.
We are very grateful for the support of our members and volunteers in the land purchase appeal as well as: Natural Resources Wales, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Banister Trust, John Spedan Lewis Foundation and Ricardo Crawley Trust. Thank you also to further funding from the Nature Network Funds administered by the National Lottery and funded through the Welsh Government.
Bridewell Common ditch before culvert instalation. Credit Ben Boylett.
One of the reens of Bridewell Common, partially restored with grass and scrub removed.
Bridewell Common - new culvert in ditch, Jan 2023. Credit Ben Boylett.
The same reen with a new culvert built to improve access and allow easier management.