Millennium Wood

Millennium Wood is a tiny woodland, planted on a bank of dredge material alongside Seaclose Park. It was created at the turn of the millennium, in collaboration with the nearby Mountbatten hospice. Some of the trees were planted in remembrance of loved ones.

What to look and listen for …

This site comes into its own in Spring with brightly coloured blossom. Unexpectedly for such a location, the bank on which it is planted provides a home for many wildflowers in late spring. This occurs as the bank was formed from dredged material, bringing with it the wildflower seed. See if you can spot Adders Tongue Fern and Common Spotted Orchid. The wooden bench is the ideal spot to take in the view across the River Medina towards another of our sites, Medina Riverside Park, and the tapestry of roofs on the industrial estate behind. In winter, if you are lucky, you may see wading birds on the sports pitches – look out for unruly Oyster Catchers!

There is a different seaside soundscape here with the gulls and crows will often be squabbling on the grass and the leisurely sounds of Newport Harbour contrast with the busy Fairlee Road running past. You may also hear school children playing sports.

… and smell and touch

There is a variety of trees blossoming in spring – can you distinguish between the different species? Stinking Iris may be smelt in damp patches.

You are welcome to pick edible fruits and berries, but please leave some for the birds.

Nature at home and activities on site

We have produced a super Colouring Sheet for you to download and complete at home. We have also produced an I Spy Sheet and Map for you to print at home, or download to your phone and take to the site. And become a Bug Bunch Ranger. All these activities and resources can be found here.

Managing the site

The site requires little maintenance, except for litter-picking. However we do keep the trees coppiced to create glades for the summer flowers. You will notice we have planted an avenue of young trees to create an avenue between the woodland and playing field.

How to get there

On foot and by bike – The Medina Greenway provides access from Newport on foot or by bike.

By bus – Seaclose Stop (Routes 5/9). Alternatively the site is a 15 min walk from Newport bus station. (Bus Timetables)

By car – There is a pay and display car park in Seaclose Park. Approx site postcode for satnav PO30 2QS or what3words ///commander.flopped.emptied

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Access

It is so small that it does not lend itself to being walked through, rather alongside. Access is from the Playing Field in Seaclose Park or from Fairlee Road.

There is a bench with views across the River Medina. There is an Information Pillar at this point. The site Information Pillar has a QR code that links to an audible description creating a mind’s eye view of the area to allow a visually impaired person to enter with confidence. The information pillar also has a QR code that links to a map and activities. There is also a site map on the Information Pillar.

The nearest public toilets are within Seaclose Park and are less than 0.2 miles from this site on a flat grass walk. what3words ///arch.clear.swatting

We have written an Access Statement for this site. This includes mobility and sensory issues and opportunities. We welcome feedback from users.

Get Involved

There are various ways you can help improve and maintain our sites. We rely on volunteers to help with many tasks on our sites and also need people who are happy to regular visit the site be our “eyes and ears”, this means we can respond much quicker to issues. Our shop raises money to support our work and needs a team of volunteers. Or maybe you would like to help us with events. Find out more here.

You can also help by becoming one of our regular supporters. Even giving a few pounds each month can make a real difference, with your donation being invested into site management and improvement work to benefit site visitors and look after our precious wildlife. Sign up here.