GWT Derek Upton Centre

Magor Marsh is the last relatively natural area of fenland on the Gwent Levels. From the fleeting glimpse of a kingfisher, to the sight of colourful dragonflies darting over the reens, this is an inspiring place to visit. In autumn and winter the reserve is particularly attractive to birdwatchers, as the pond provides a sanctuary for wintering wildfowl and passing migrants.

Magor Marsh holds a special place in GWT's history. In 1963, threats to this fragment of wetland were felt so strongly by a small group of naturalists that they banded together to form what is now Gwent Wildlife Trust, securing this as our first nature reserve. The reserve has recently been expanded to provide a larger haven for wetland wildlife.

Wetlands were once commonplace across Britain; however they are now one of our most threatened habitats. Magor Marsh is particularly rich in wildlife because of the range of habitats present. These include damp hay meadows, sedge fen, reedbed, scrub, pollarded willows, wet woodland, a large pond and the numerous reens and drainage ditches.