Vince Cox, Brynmawr
24th April 2007 2pm. Visited the site today and all things considered, it's not too bad a place - some works to do but that's life. The paths are good and the trails varied, fencing and styles also good, the ponds need a little attention, but what pond doesn't? It can't be all bad as there were at least three ducks that I could see, loads of bird life and the plants and trees seemed to be doing fine. I spent about an hour wandering, no shopping trolleys or dog mess, and no rubbish in the ponds. It's worth a visit, just because it's there for starters, a nice place to unwind.

Jared Stokes from Allt-yr-yn
I regularly visit the reserve and often run along the bridal ways - they make a pleasant change from running on traffic clogged tarmac and seasonal changes make it a joy to visit every time ... what I can't help but notice is the effort which the council and/or WING puts into clearing bridal ways, repairing steps and laying down fallen branches on the steep parts of tracks so that they don't become slippery and eroded ... in my opinion, the most shocking thing you'll notice when you go down there is the fact that no-one else seems to use it or even know it exists, though I can't really complain about this since it only adds to the nature reserve's tranquillity!

Neil Davies, Magor
Considering the rest of Newport and what goes on in it I think the reserve is under rated. I am a former employee of Newport city council and can assure you that the council does try to maintain it to the best of their ability. The reserve is a former Lido and a credit to natural regeneration. It is not up to the standard of some NNR's but it is still enjoyed by many city dwellers.

Karen Busson from Allt -yr_yn
The reserve could be made better but I have two horses in a location near the reserve and I use it to give them regular exercice. I have been their for many years and I do know that there is bridleway sign up near the road. A new one could be put up as the exsisting one is rotting.

Kevin Dupé
Common newts and smooth newts are one and the same thing!

Sonia Charles from Penarth
I visit this area regularly. Vehicles race towards you on the road - it is a dangerous place for walkers. My grandchildren were nearly knocked over on this road by some idiot driving at top speed. The road is supposed to be a bridleway, the Council should put a bridleway sign up. There are signs saying no public vehicle access but there are no signs stating no fishing, no fires etc. Newport Council do something about it.

Mohammed Davies
Officially fishing is not permitted in the ponds - unofficially the ponds are populated by anglers, BBQ lovers, beer drinkers, litter louts, drug users, people who wish to burn stolen cars and truants from the local schools.

Carol Houlis from Newport
It's continuously used by scrambler motorbikes which drive at top speeds along the footpaths. There is even a circuit within the reserve which is well known to the police and council. Indeed, the council wardens ignore the bikes as they go past.

Rubbish and supermarket trolleys are left in full view in the lakes for many months. In my opinion the reserve is an absolute eyesore - badly neglected and dangerous for small children. However, in the late 80s it was very pleasant and well looked after.