Nature charity Plantlife is warning that air pollution, in particular a high atmospheric nitrogen level, is damaging the habitats of rare wildflowers across Wales.  High nitrogen levels favour plants such as brambles and nettles while most wildflowers prefer less rich conditions.  Plantlife say the increased nitrogen levels are substantially derived from intensive arable and livestock farming emissions of ammonia, and they can reach all parts of the country via rainfall.  Plantlife is calling for more regulations controlling ammonia emissions.

An Institute of Welsh Affairs report has concluded that Wales is the most car-reliant part of the UK and risks not meeting its carbon emission targets.  The report recommendations include planning policy changes to make sustainable transport infrastructure a fundamental requirement for new developments, increased funding for active travel, decarbonised buses and a default 20mph limit in urban areas.

Volunteers, Community Groups and Support Organisations are invited by MCC to a unique community event taking place on Thursday, 5 July from 6.30pm – 8.30pm in Abergavenny’s Market Hall. The event is built on asset based community development principles and focussed on individual volunteers and community groups in the north of the County.  This way of working is a key responsibility of MCC’s Community and Partnership Development team.  The purpose of the event is: –

• To provide a local, genuine thank you from political leadership for the considerable volunteer-based activity in the area.
• To present an opportunity for volunteers and community groups to engage with others, increase networks and for us to work together to strengthen local activity.
• To raise awareness of the excellent support on offer to community groups including advice, guidance, funding and training opportunities.
• To showcase the Market Hall as a community venue.

Local and national funders such as Rural Development Programme, Big Lottery People and Places, Abergavenny Rotary and Brecon Beacons National Park will be at the event, with young musicians performing to provide a little extra atmosphere. Volunteers and any community groups can book a free place at the event by following this link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/be-community-networking-event-abergavenny-tickets-46928441231. If you have any questions contact Owen Wilce on 01633 644420.

Today’s Western Mail marks World Environment Day with a feature about Plastic Free Chepstow, recognised as South Wales’ first plastic-free community.  The campaign, initiated by Transition Chepstow, aims to reduce the amount of single use plastic and to reduce litter, and to earn its accolade the town had to show that councils, community organisations and businesses are acting together.  Plastic Free Chepstow will be launched on June 10 at midday at the plastic-free street market.  Monmouth and Abergavenny are following Chepstow’s example and the County Council is aiming for Monmouthshire to be one of the first plastic-free counties.

On Sunday, 10 June, Gwent Wildlife Trust are inviting the public to their Pentwyn Farm reserve as part of Open Farm Sunday, from 11am to 4pm.  They will be showing off their Hereford cattle, Hebridean and Hill Radnor sheep and lambs as well as their beautiful meadows (and if you haven’t see the meadows at Pentwyn in June you really should!).  More details on their web site.

As part of their contribution to the Monmouthshire Public Service Board the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is holding a workshop at Usk Fire Station on Wednesday, 6 June (9.30 – 11.30) on working with children and young people to increase their awareness, understanding and action for sustainable development. The aim is to explore the present position and determine measures to improve performance. Contact Jeff Scrivens SCRIVJ@southwales-fire.gov.uk if you would like to contribute.