NEWPORT City Council is looking to designate St Julian's Park as a local nature reserve in a bid to access more funding to develop it for residents.

Council leader Bob Bright will look to formally endorse the proposal after ward councillors and cabinet members are consulted.

Once approved, the proposal will need to go to Natural Resources Wales for consultation.

The park is currently home to more than 300 species of plants and animals and includes an ancient woodland, grassland, and a freshwater stream.

Its designation as a nature reserve will allow Newport City Council to access external funding to develop the park’s significant potential for the benefit of both residents and visitors.

The earliest reference to St Julian’s Park dates back to 1583 when it was described as medieval deer park.

The park, which serves the communities of Caerleon, St Julians, Beechwood and Lawrence Hill, is popular with ramblers and dog walkers.

As part of the plans there will be improved access throughout the park as well as plans for an outdoor classroom and forest school.

Areas within the proposed nature reserve will be clearly defined and will promote the park’s health and recreational benefits.

With the designation of the site as a local nature reserve, the park’s conservation value would be recognised in statute and the council will have a statutory duty to manage and maintain the site.

Newport City Council also hopes to improve its green credentials as the city currently has just one local nature reserve with Cardiff and Torfaen both having four.

The council also hopes to show it is proud of its accessible natural green spaces and proud to be a green city with local nature reserves less than two miles away from the city centre.

A decision will be made by cllr Bright on Friday, June 5.