Exploring Newport Wetlands & Enjoying the Simple things

The last time we visited the Newport Wetlands we were a family of three so it was really fun to revisit this wonderful place with our youngest in tow as both boys are fascinated with nature, bird watching and exploring new places. The wetlands are around an hour from where we live (it would be quicker if it wasn't for the constant roadworks) and we visited just before the short heat wave and with a slight chill in the air it was the perfect weather to try out my lightweight waterproof windbreaker from Lighthouse Clothing. I have been looking for a jacket that will be perfect for all the festivals we will be heading too over the summer and with this being so light, easy to pack and stylish the Wren Jacket is perfect. 

We are actually members of the RSPB and as our house is not too far from a river and has an abundance of trees surrounding it we get a lot of wildlife in our garden, including frogs, slow worms and an array of birds so naturally my eldest has an interest in spotting different kinds and we made sure to pack our bird watching book to try identify them. There are some fantastic circular walks, we decided to go on the sculpture trial which was suitable for both our 6 and 2yr old and there are some bird hides along the way to break the walk up and sit down for a moment, plus we spotted some swans, coots, mallards and a few others.

This walk also takes you down to the coastline, there is a longer walk you can join here as well but both take you past the small lighthouse with views our across the Severn estuary. As it was nice and clear we spotted some pretty impressive cargo ships go by. We then headed up along the floating walkway through the reeds and over one of the ponds where we spotted a school of fish. A local birdwatcher also showed the boys the wild orchids growing among the buttercups.

We spent a whole afternoon at the Wetlands as it offers all of those simple pleasures that both John and I and the boys love. There is a fantastic cafe that overlooks a small pond and attracts loads of birds as well as plenty of picnic areas, a really fun outdoor play park with a mini lighthouse and zip wire. There are also platforms for children to do some pond dipping and a few bug hotels dotted around the place.

These kind of day trips are the best, we had packed a few healthy snacks and some bottles of water and ended the afternoon with a slice of cake from the cafe. We won't be waiting so long for another visit and we also past the transporter bridge on the way here - another one for the bucket list of things to do locally. We are all about living simply and living happy - what are your favourite simple pleasures?

Thanks to Lighthouse Clothing for sending me the Wren Jacket