Howardian Local Nature Reserve

It’s hard to imagine that this local nature reserve was once a rubbish dump in the early 1970s! Nowadays, it provides a haven for wildlife and a pleasant place for locals to enjoy the woods, wild meadows, and ponds.
It’s fairly easy to find, right next to the David Lloyd Leisure Centre near Newport Road in Cardiff — and it’s also easy to explore, as a network of paths have been built to guide people through the different habitats. Set in a very urban environment, with all the massive retail units of Newport Road nearby, this reserve is a little oasis of peace and greenery. Look out for herons, kingfishers, frogs and toads in the ponds and reedbeds, and wild flowers in the meadow areas. In the woods, more than 25,000 trees have been planted to expand on the three small copses originally there. There’s even a little stream and waterfall in the wooded area!
The council and local residents still work together on the site, continually improving it both for wildlife and the public. Amazingly, more than 500 different species have been recorded there, showing their efforts are paying off.