Monmouthshire GreenWeb

The Wye Valley AONB is promoting the two-year Youth Ranger Programme as part of the Foresters’ Forest Initiative. Sixty young people have taken part to date and enhanced their knowledge, experience and skills in all matters that fall within the countryside management sector; drystone walling, hedgelaying, coppicing, wildlife survey, farm visits, recreation, rural craft skills & heritage knowledge to name but a few. More information at http://www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk/index.php/youth-rangers/. Register your interest today – there are free taster sessions in September. Young people who have taken part in Youth Rangers have found it useful in adding to their CV’s and when making personal statements for university applications.

The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has commenced the process of reviewing the Rights of Way Improvement Plan for the National Park. The existing Plan set out how the Authority intended to improve access to the countryside between 2007 and 2017. The Authority will be undertaking a number of consultations over the Summer and Autumn and will endeavour to consult as many people and organisations as possible. Contact row@beacons-npa.gov.uk or 01874 624437. As the Plan will set the direction of the management of the rights of way and access provision for the next 10 years your input and opinion is crucial to the process.

MCC and the Welsh Government are holding a public exhibition of proposed plans to improve the A40/A466 Wye Bridge road junction at Monmouth.  It is at the Shire Hall on Friday, 7 July (11am-7pm) and Saturday, 8 July (10am-5pm).  The proposals are for a third southbound lane on the A40 and upgrading subway ramps.

The Welsh Government has declined to accept the risk of guaranteeing part of the cost of the Circuit of Wales at Ebbw Vale. Instead they will build an automotive technology business park on the site. Gwent Wildlife Trust has welcomed the decision and wants to work with the business park developers to allow the unique mosaic of upland habitats to continue.

Julie Hughes, Development Officer with Heritage Lottery Fund, will be holding 1–to-1 surgeries in Chepstow on Monday, 24 July in Chepstow Library. If you have an idea for a heritage based project please contact Julie (Wales@hlf.org.uk) before 17 July to book your slot. For more information about grants that are available please go to the website – https://www.hlf.org.uk/looking-funding/where-we-fund.