WILDLIFE in Newport is set to be protected under a new plan.

The city has a range of important habitats including ancient semi-natural woodlands, reed beds, rivers and ponds.

Now Newport council is putting together a biodiversity action plan to protect, record and learn about the local wildlife.

Conservation and wildlife groups, local naturalists, young people and community councillors joined the mayor, Councillor Ron Morris, at Tredegar House, to launch the Local Biodiversity Action Plan.

Roger James, of the Wildlife in Newport Group, has even made national news by recording a moth species - the Small Ranunculus moth - that up until a couple of years ago was previously thought to be extinct in Britain.

Newport mayor, Councillor Ron Morris, said: "We all have a responsibility to work together to protect and enhance biodiversity in Newport.

"It shows just how important a local biodiversity action plan is when you hear that we stand to lose up to 50 per cent of species on the planet if we continue using global resources at the current rate, and that really is a frightening thought."

At the launch, local clubs taught the mayor how to construct a tree sparrow nest box, and volunteers undertook training to become licensed great crested newt surveyors.

The surveys are designed to provide information on the numbers of great crested newts in Newport.

This will help maintain and enhance the population found.

* If you would like to comment on the LBAP, or want to know more about Biodiversity Action for Newport, contact Rebecca Davies, biodiversity officer, on 01633 232880, fax 01633 232756 or email rebecca.davies@newport.gov.uk