The Gwent Levels is a unique landscape, and one of the largest surviving areas of ancient grazing marsh and ditch systems in Britain. Thousands of years of intermittent sea level rise and repeated colonisation by Neolithic, Roman and modern era populations have resulted in an unparalleled and internationally recognised archaeological record. Listed as ‘outstanding’ on the register of landscapes of historic interest in Wales (CADW), it represents the largest and most significant example in Wales of a man-made landscape. It is extensively farmed within a complex network of ditches and reens that are home to a vast array of rare invertebrates and aquatic plants including notable assemblages of water beetles and dragonflies. As a result of this rich biodiversity much of the Gwent Levels are afforded national protection. Farmland birds, the shrill carder bee and important mammal species such as brown hare, otter and water vole also add to the areas wealth of wildlife.
The Wildlife Trusts
Intrinsic Value
It is the management of rainfall and run-off from the uplands that is a central principle to the management and maintenance of the historic, wet landscape. Dealt with by the complex system of channels that carry surface water off fields (ridge and furrow), into large gullies (grips) and into the interconnected reens that surround each field, this water is then released into the Severn estuary by means of tidal flaps. This method
of drainage was first established in the Levels nearly 1800 years ago and has to be one of the most enduring historically maintained landscapes that we have in the UK, if not Europe. The lay of the land if viewed from above, with reens creating lasting field boundaries, will have hardly changed for centuries.
The Wildlife Trusts
Emotional Value
The strong heritage of the area not only clearly and visibly defines the landscape, but is intrinsically tied to the centre of a web of natural, cultural, historical and archaeological heritage, all components delicately relying on each other to maintain the land’s identity and unique value. If the natural system fails, the farming practices and hidden artefacts would also be lost. Without proper land management, through maintenance of ancient reen systems, the area would be susceptible to flooding and people’s homes and livelihoods would be lost along with the wildlife that relies on the land drainage features.
The Wildlife Trusts
Financial Value
The value of the ecosystem service that the Gwent Levels Sites of Special Scientific Interest provide has been estimated at nearly £68 million per year. This is a conservative estimate based on UK averages of land-type and size, and does not include additional services that the Levels provide such as tourism, recreation and contributions to education and health and wellbeing.
The Wildlife Trusts
Societal Value
Gwent Wildlife Trust has a wealth of experience working with local communities and continue to engage people from various walks of life, so that they are healthier, happier and more engaged with the nature found on their doorstep. The team at Magor Marsh Education Centre has worked with thousands of children in the last few years to provide environmental education opportunities on the Gwent Levels, inspiring youngsters and local communities to connect with nature and to stay active. Working with Newport City Council and local health initiatives, the Trust will also provide voluntary work to help people who suffer from isolation and social exclusion, with their nature reserves providing access for quiet recreation of the Gwent Levels.
The Wildlife Trusts
Get Involved
You can visit our nature Reserves at Magor Marsh and Great Traston Meadows and get a real sense of the landscape as well as maybe catching a glimpse of one of our re-introduced water voles. Our Education Centre at Magor Marsh also caters for school groups and there are many training course on local ecology that run at the centre.
Contact:Gemma voles gbode@gwentwildlife.org
For moore information: http://www.gwentwildlife.org/reserves/magor-marsh-sssi