The Cardiff Bay Wetlands Reserve is situated away from the bustling activity of Mermaid Quay with its bars and restaurants and is home to a wide array of birds and other wildlife. Previously a salt marsh until the construction of the barrage, the reserve is now an important conservation area which visitors can enjoy from the attractive wooden walkway that also serves to protect the wildlife from the public. There is a viewing platform at the end of the walkway that is excellent for birdspotting.