A wildlife survey of the proposed site for the Circuit of Wales Racetrack at Rassau, Ebbw Vale, has recorded the presence of over 300 species and found it to be a key site for dragonflies, with 12 species recorded.  The site is a mixture of heathland, wet flushes, streams and acid grassland.

The latest report on the Cardiff Capital Region Metro is at http://wales.gov.uk/docs/det/report/140826-cardiff-metro-update-report-august-2014-en.pdf.

People living in rural areas of Monmouthshire and Newport will have the opportunity over the autumn to shape ideas and projects for funding under the Wales Rural Development Programme from 2014 to 2020.  The two local authority areas have joined forces (to be known as the Vale of Usk) and they wish to hear from residents, businesses and community organisations about key issues and proposals across the region.  Themes that the Wales Rural Development Programme covers include business development, exploiting digital technology, developing renewable energy schemes for communities, using natural and cultural assets for sustainable, economic growth in areas like tourism and delivering local services within rural communities.  For more information, including an online survey and details of drop-in sessions go to http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/home/2014/08/26/rural-communities-invited-to-submit-ideas-for-funding/.

Last year a coalition of local organisations commissioned  Towns Alive to undertake a baseline survey to find out how successful Abergavenny shopping centre is and the challenges it faces. Mike King of that consultancy will present the outcome of that extensive study at a public meeting at the St Michael’s Centre, Pen y Pound on Tuesday, 2 September at 7pm.  This is a chance to hear and discuss the facts rather than opinions, and it will influence future measures to sustain the vibrancy of the town.

Monmouthshire County Council shared the lead with Denbighshire for recycling household waste in the year to March 2014.  At 63% the county was ten percentage points ahead of the national average, well ahead of national targets and within sight of the challenging 2025 target of 70%.  The improvement in performance reflected residents’ response to the collection changes made in 2012.

Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, is advertising for a part-time Community Development Officer to help deliver its Discover Cefn Ila project near Usk.  Details at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/our-story/jobs/cefn-ila-cdo/.  Closing date 7 September – salary not specified in advertisement.

If you are interested in energy policy in Wales and want to hear what top politicians and others have to say on the matter, and can find £80 plus VAT or more, a Policy Forum for Wales event in Cardiff on Monday, 15 December could be for you.  Details at http://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/forums/index.php?fid=policy_forum_for_wales.  Enquire about concessionary rates.

If any community group would like some trees, the free community tree packs are available from the Woodland Trust. The current applications close 4 September for delivery in November – there are 3 sizes: hedge packs (30 trees), medium pack (105 trees) and large (420 trees).  Groups need to apply on line and here is the link: http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees/in-your-community/

If you are managing a local woodland or thinking about it you may be interested in an event at Upper Cwmbran exploring the potential for community management.  The Woodland Trust/Llais y Goedwig is holding a free networking meeting at Blaen Bran Community Woodland on 17 October, 10.00am – 4.30pm inc buffet lunch. Book your place with Rosie Strang, Llais y Goedwig Network Coordinator, 07966 071073 info@llaisygoedwig.org.uk.

The WCVA has invited nominations for its 2014 Third Sector Awards – http://www.wcva.org.uk/what-we-do/awards/third-sector-awards-cymru.  An environmental award is among the categories and groups can nominate themselves, as long as they do it by 14 November.