.

 Diary of Events   2010

 


Click on a month to view events:

      August

 September   

Regular group meetings, Talks and Walks
Special Events and Open Days
Sales - Furniture, Tools, Plants.....
Physical work days
Training workshops and Conferences

Regular group meetings, Talks and Walks
Special Events and Open Days
Sales - Furniture, Tools, Plants...
Physical work days
Training workshops and Conferences
 

New! Forthcoming events - Early notice of events in the next few months

August


 

 Regular group meetings, talks and walks
Tuesday 3rd August                                                                                    Gwent Badger Group    Monthly committee meeting at the Nags Head, Usk, starting at 7.30pm. All members welcome.

Tuesday 3rd August                                                                                       Transition Chepstow Steering Group Meeting. 19:30 - 21:30 Regency Room, Beaufort Hotel, Chepstow. Members from all the project groups meet to share progress and plan the way forward for the initiative as a whole.  New faces welcome. For more information contact Tim via info@transitionchepstow.org.uk

Thursday 5th August                                                                                      Transition Chepstow Wildlife Group Meeting. 19:30 - 21:00 Coach & Horses Inn, Welsh Street, Chepstow. A new group is being launched which aims to encourage more local people to care for the environment through helping wildlife. We want local people to enjoy and protect the wildlife on our doorsteps, not just in nature reserves. We'd be delighted to have you join us if you want to learn more about this group and it's plans. For more details contact Rosemary via wildlifeintransition@transitionchepstow.org.uk

Sunday 8th August                                                       Usk Conservation and Environment Group
A walk in the Cwmyoy area.  Meet at 10.30am at the Queens Head Inn Cwmyoy (parking charge) SO 311 221.  Shirley and Dave will lead this walk.

Monday 9th August                                                                                        Transition Chepstow Transport Group Meeting 20:00 - 21:30 Coach & Horses Inn, Welsh Street, Chepstow. Interested in helping to develop sustainable transport for Chepstow? Current plans include a walking map for Chepstow. New faces very welcome. For more information contact Jen via transport@transitionchepstow.org.uk.

Monday 9th August                                                                            Monmouth and District FoE
Monthly meeting 7.30pm 3 Horseshoes, Drybridge Street Monmouth.  New members always welcome.

Tuesday 10th August                                                                                               Chepstow FoE Monthly meeting at Chepstow Athletic, Mathern Road, Chepstow. 7.30pm. All welcome.

Tuesday 10th August                                                                                    Transition Monmouth Monthly meeting at the Robin Hood Inn, Monnow Street, Monmouth at 7pm. All welcome.

Wednesday 11th August                                               Usk Conservation and Environment Group
An evening walk at Usk Nature Trail.  Meet at Usk Island car park (Pontypool Road) 7pm.  Flora and fauna identification, medicinal uses and folklore of plant species

Sunday 15th August                                                                         Gwent Ornithological Society
Langorse Lake 7:00-11:00am. Meet at Langasty nature reserve car park (SO113262) for ringing demonstration and a walk around the reserve.

Sunday 15th August                                                                                         Wye Valley Society
Local historian Heather Hurley will lead a 3 hour walk along the Wye from Brinkley Hill, Brockhampton to the prehistoric hill fort of Capler Camp. The walk will feature river crossings and navigation, quarries, Rise Farm and the Camp itself. 2pm start.

Monday 16th August                                                                Abergavenny and Crickhowell FoE
Group meeting, The Bear, Crickhowell. 8pm.  All welcome.

Thursday 19th August                                                                                    Transition Chepstow Reuse and Recycling Group Meeting @ 19:30 - 21:00 Regency Room, Beaufort Hotel, Chepstow. Interested in helping with projects that ensure we re-use and recycle more in Chepstow? For more details contact Janet via 01291 625977.

Thursday 19th August                                                                                    Transition Chepstow Health and Consciousness Group Meeting @ 19:30 - 21:00 Coach & Horses Inn, Welsh Street, Chepstow. Building a Resilient Future with Empathy: Storms of My Grandchildren. A group discussion.  New faces welcome!

Sunday 22nd August                                                    Usk Conservation and Environment Group
A walk at Sedbury cliff area (near Beachley) to look for fossils.  Ammonites, ichthyosaurus, crinoids may be found along the foreshore.  Meet Loop Road, Beachley 12 noon.  Bring snack and wellies

Wednesday 25th August                                               Usk Conservation and Environment Group
Usk Philosophy and Debating group meet 7.30pm at the British Legion Club, Usk.

Wednesday 25th August                                                                 Countryside Council for Wales
'Damsels and Dragons' - Newport Wetlands National Nature Reserve. A walk to see these fascinating insects that have been around since the dinosaurs.

Saturday 28th August                                                          Monmouthshire Countryside Service
Over the hill to Cwmcarvan. 10.30am - 3pm On this 5 mile walk you will start at Mitchel Troy village and ascend via a steep footpath to Craig y Dorth Hill from where you will enjoy some of the most magnificent views over the Black Mountains and north Monmouthshire. You will continue down into the next valley before ascending to Cwmcarvan church. Your return route will be back over the other side of Craig y Dorth Hill through fields and lanes with more fantastic views. Wear boots or stout shoes and bring waterproof clothing. Bring your own packed lunch and a drink. Assistance dogs only - lots of stiles and 3 steep slopes. Meet at the car park next to the church in Mitchel Troy village (SO 492 104)

Monday 30th August                                                                                          Wye Valley AONB
A Letter to the Admiralty. 10am to 1.30pm. Follow the path of the romantics through Mailscot Wood, around Symonds Yat Rock, the Iron Age Fort, new Weir Forge and the Dropping Wells. Cross the river by ancient ferry (charge applies) and return via Biblins suspension bridge. Location - Bracelands Adventure Centre. Approx 6 miles. Booking essential.        
 

 
 Physical Work Days
 
Every Thursday                                                                                              Gwent Wildlife Trust
Volunteers carry out a variety of practical conservation tasks on Gwent Wildlife Trust Reserves every Thursday. Sessions are led by Gwent Wildlife Trust staff. For further information ring Jan Kinchington on 07738 231155.

2nd Sunday of each month                                                                            Gwent Wildlife Trust
The wardens of Strawberry Cottage Wood are now running Sunday morning work tasks, on the second Sunday of every month, at this gem of a site four miles north of Abergavenny. Sessions will start 9.30am at the lay-by by the woods and finish about 12.30pm. For more information, contact Kaf and John Faragher on 01873 851562.
 

 Special Events and Open days

Wednesday 4th August                                                                                 Gwent Wildlife Trust
Nature Detectives for the Family Tutor: Chris Hatch. The trouble with wildlife is that often, it’s not easy to find – you need to know how, where and when to look and how to spot the signs that usually go un-noticed. On this family morning, you will learn to identify tracks, trails and all manner of signs of wildlife in the countryside, covering a whole range of species. Perfect for the budding nature detective…of any age! 10am – 12pm. Pentwyn Farm, near Monmouth. Cost: £4 members, £6 non-members, £2 children. Booking Essential.

Wednesday 4th August                                                                                      Wye Valley AONB
Feed your senses...Welcome to Meadow World. 1am - 1pm. Leader - Sarah Sawyer. Come and explore a natural treasure box. The wildflower meadows of the Wye Valley are a sight to behold and although we visit after the peal flowering, they still provide homes to a multitude of bees, butterflies and insects. A bug hunt will be followed by the chance to let your artistic talent show as we make beautiful butterflies in the barn. Location - Pentwyn Farm. Approx 2 miles. Booking essential.

Wednesday 4th August                                                        Monmouthshire Countryside Service
Bug Hunt at the Old station, Tintern. 11am - 12.30pm Play environmental games, find out more about creepy crawlies and go in search of minibeasts along the old railway line and in the meadows near the river Wye. Family event - children to be accompanied by an adult. Assistance dogs only please. Cost: £1 per child.

Wednesday 11th August                                                                                 Gwent Wildlife Trust
Blaenau Gwent Summer Funday. Leader: Veronika Brannovic. Good summer fun for everyone. Can you complete the wildlife challenge? Would you like to explore pond life, go on a minibeast safari and follow the tree and texture trails? Find out about local wildlife on a guided walk and enjoy games, music, crafts, stories and more. Refreshments will be available. 2pm – 5pm Environmental Resource Centre, near Ebbw Vale. Cost: £1 adults, children FREE. Booking not required.

Wednesday 11th August                                                                                 Gwent Wildlife Trust
Moth trapping event at Monmouth cemetery from 8pm (time to be confirmed), with George Tordoff, Monitoring ecologist at Butterfly Conservation Wales.  Join George and be inspired by moths!  In Britain we have only about 50 different kinds of butterfly, but more than 2500 different sorts of moths.  A moth trap will be used to lure in these nocturnal creatures which come in an often surprising variety of colours and patterns.  Free as part of Gwent Wildlife Trust's Living Churchyards Project, but booking is required - please contact Rebecca Price 01600 740358 or rprice@gwentwildlife.org

Thursday 12th August                                                                                    Gwent Wildlife Trust
Bird Ringing Demonstration Tutor: Ian Vaughan. The demonstration will provide a very special opportunity for members of the public to see some of Magor Marsh’s wild birds VERY close up. With luck, this will include one of Magor’s specialties – the secretive Cetti’s Warbler. Dr Ian Vaughan is an ecologist working at Cardiff University and will help you learn how bird ringing is carried out, why bird ringing is carried out and the ways in which regular ringing at Magor contributes to vital conservation work, locally, nationally and internationally. This event is suitable for beginners and families, provided that children are accompanied by an adult. 8am – 12pm Magor Marsh, near Newport Cost: £3 members, £6 non-members Booking Essential.

Sunday 15th August                                                                                         Wye Valley Society
Walk - 2:00pm - local historian Heather Hurley will lead a 3-hour walk along the Wye from Brinkley Hill, Brockhampton to the prehistoric hill fort of Capler Camp. The walk will feature river crossings and navigation, quarries, Rise Farm and the Camp itself.

Wednesday 18th August                                                                                 Gwent Wildlife Trust
Dingestow Court Open Gardens. Leaders: Helen Bosanquet & Denis Jackson. In previous years, despite the weather, hundreds of people came to see the delightful gardens that Helen Bosanquet has created at Dingestow Court – also home to GWT’s HQ. Helen has created an excellent example of how wildlife friendly gardening can also be beautiful gardening and each year she opens the gardens to the public to support the work of the Trust. As well as the gardens, tea, cakes and plants for sale, we plan to provide a number of activities for children including pond dipping and minibeast hunts – a great day out for the whole family. 11am – 4pm Seddon House, Dingestow, near Monmouth. Cost: FREE. No need to book

Tuesday 24th August                                                                                         Wye Valley AONB
A Bugs Life. 10.30am - 12.30pm. Leader Sarah Sawyer. Discover what life is like for insects in the woodland. Use Nature Detective Skills to explore the woodland floor, and find out what creeps through the canopy. Reveal the hidden underwater world of a pond. Come and join us as we adventure through the woodland together. Location - Chepstow Park Wood. Approx 2 miles. Booking essential.

Friday 27th August                                                                                             Wye Valley AONB
Fun Day at Yat Rock. 11am  - 4pm. Join the Forestry Commission and the RSPB for a fun-packed day of activities. Something for all ages. Small charge applies for some activities. Also includes Museum on the Move - opportunity to explore Herefordshire's Folklore and Fairytales. Booking not required.                                   

 Sales - Furniture, Tools, Plants...

Every Week                                                                                                               TFSR Cymru
Open for sales of hand and garden tools - all proceeds contribute to the projects that we are supporting in Africa. Sales - Wed to Fri 10am to 4pm and Saturdays 10.30-12.30.  Also open for refurbishing Tuesday and Thursday 7.30 - 9.30pm. Crickhowell  01874 730155 - This month we will be attending the Garden Festival at Hellens Much Marcle, Herefordshire on 12th and 13th June.

Every Day                                                                                                       Monmouth Fairtrade
The new Monmouth Fairtrade town shopping bag is now on sale at Munday and Jones Greengrocer in Church Street,  Monmouth Museum in Priory Street, Gabby's in Beaufort Yard, and Bridges, Drybridge Park, price £2. It is made from organic Fairtrade cotton and produced for Bishopston Trading by their partners in South India. Using the bag advertises Monmouth's commitment to Fairtrade producers.  It also helps to reduce the use of plastic carriers.  Since they don't biodegrade they can become permanent, troublesome clutter, fouling the landscape and harming animals, birds and sealife.

Every Week Day                                                                                              Homemakers Wales
Showroom open Mon-Fri  9am-4pm  St. Michael's Road, Abergavenny, or at the following sales;

Chepstow Senior Citizens Centre     Monday 2nd August 10am - 3pm
Caldicot Methodist Church              Tuesday 10th August 12pm - 4pm
Abergavenny Market Hall                Thursday 19th August 10am - 3pm
 

 Training workshops and Conferences

Saturday 7th August                                                                                      Gwent Wildlife Trust
Outdoor Living Skills Tutor: Gavin Cornthwaite . An exciting day learning safe knife and axe techniques for all ages. Attendees will learn how to safely build shelters and light fires in the countryside. Basic wild foods that are edible will also be covered on the day. 10am – 4pm. Venue TBC (Torfaen or Blaenau Gwent region). Cost: £5 members, £10 non-members. Booking Essential

Saturday 28th August                                                                                   Gwent Wildlife Trust
Surveying for Dormice Tutor: Jan Kinchington. This course is a brief introduction to dormouse ecology, their conservation requirements, their legal protection, where to find them and what signs to look out for. You will join Jan on a walk around Croes Robert, looking at habitat, woodland management and for signs of dormice. Our dormouse courses are, without doubt, our most popular. We always have a waiting list from previous years so early booking is essential. 10am – 1pm. Pentwyn and Croes Robert, near Monmouth. Cost: £10 members, £15 non-members. Booking Essential.                
 

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September

Friday 10th - Sunday 12th September Usk Conservation and Environment Group
Weekend trip to Hartland Quay, North Devon.  Arrive Friday for a coastal walk on Saturday, return on Sunday.  £80 B&B per person for 2 nights.  Please contact Graham to book 01873 852108.

Saturday 25th September
Monmouth Green Travel Day - a chance to find out about low emission vehicles, try out an electric bike, enjoy the harness horse parade and talk to experts on reducing the impact of the way you travel.  Find out about the route of the new cycle ways in and around Monmouth. It promises to be a fun day for all.
 

 Regular group meetings, walks and talks
Wednesday 1st September                                                              Gwent Ornithological Society
NWR Goldcliff. Time to be announced in Dipper.

Sunday 5th September                                                Usk Conservation and Environment Group
Goose and Cuckoo walk.  Meet at car park, Llanellen Village Hall 10.30am.  Lunch at Goose and Cuckoo, or bring your own.

Tuesday 7th September                                                                              Gwent Badger Group    Monthly committee meeting at the Nags Head, Usk, starting at 7.30pm. All members welcome.

Wednesday 8th September                                          Usk Conservation and Environment Group
First talk of the autumn season.  Speaker to be arranged.  British Legion Club, Usk 7.30pm.

Saturday 11th September                                                               Countryside Council for Wales
'A morning walk to the Goldcliff lagoons to see birds on their way south for the winter.

Saturday 11th September                                                                                Wye Valley Society
Walk 1:00pm start - Dr Neil Rimmington, Countryside Adviser to the Herefordshire Council Archaeology Department will lead a walk around the Little Doward Hill Fort, two miles above Monmouth. The wooded hill fort dominates the North bank of the Wye and is surrounded by very interesting natural and man-made features including caves, cliffs, a well-preserved lime kiln, traces of iron mining and fascinating remains of 19th century landscaping.

Monday 13th September                                                                     Monmouth and District FoE
Monthly meeting 7.30pm Three Horseshoes, Drybridge Street Monmouth.  New members always welcome.

Tuesday 14th September                                                                             Transition Monmouth Monthly meeting at the Robin Hood Inn, Monnow Street, Monmouth at 7pm. All welcome.

Tuesday 14th September                                                                                        Chepstow FoE Monthly meeting at Chepstow Athletic, Mathern Road, Chepstow. 7.30pm. All welcome.

Wednesday 15th September                                                                              Chepstow Society Monthly meeting at Chepstow Drill Hall, 7.15pm. Adrian Cook. Chiswick House and Grounds; Lord Burlington. Kent, Pope and the genius of place.

Friday 17th September                                                                                      Wye Valley AONB
Building Confidence in OS Map Reading. 2:00pm – 4:00pm Leader: Nic Howes Head of Geography. John Kyrle School, Ross-on-Wye. Build the skills needed to accurately follow a route through the varied countryside of the Woolhope Dome 1:25000 OS Explorer Maps will be available on loan. Location: Haugh Wood. Distance: 5 miles/ 8 kms Booking: Essential.

Saturday 18th September                                                                Gwent Ornithological Society
Coast walk Collister Pill Undy to Magor Pill 8:00am. Half day. Meet at Undy church (ST440869) for easy five mile walk along sea wall.

Saturday 18th September                                                                Gwent Ornithological Society
Introduction to the work of the Wye & Usk Foundation - Wye & Usk Foundation, Builth Wells As both of these rivers are well used for bird recording locally, this local project for the angling community has many spinoffs that will aid the range of species to be found along our rivers banks. Goytre Village Hall, Penperlleni (SO 323 046) and start at 7:30pm. An entrance fee of £1.50 includes tea and biscuits.

Monday 20th September                                                         Abergavenny and Crickhowell FoE
Group meeting, The Kings Arms, Abergavenny. 8pm.  All welcome.

Wednesday 22nd September                                                                  Monmouth Civic Society We meet at St. Thomas' Church Hall, St. Thomas' Square, Monmouth on the 4th Wednesday of every other month. 

Saturday 25th September                                                                                  Wye Valley AONB
Piercefield Walks. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm  Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tour Guide. Admire the picturesque viewpoints on the Piercefield walks which will include Eagle’s Nest. Conservation works to these sites have been completed in Feb 2010. Rough ground and difficult terrain including steep steps. Chepstow Leisure Centre - 6 miles/10km. Booking essential.

Sunday 26th September                                               Usk Conservation and Environment Group
Symonds Yat – a walk by the river, cross the Biblins suspension bridge, up the other side and back across on the chain ferry (small charge).  Park at the Royal Lodge car park.  Head for Symonds Yat Rock, but take right fork down to the river at at Symonds Yat East.  The Royal Lodge car park is the last one, right at the end of the road £3 to park all day, ferry costs £1 per person. 

Wednesday 29th September                                        Usk Conservation and Environment Group
Usk Philosophy and Debating group meet 7.30pm at the British Legion Club, Usk.
 

 Special Events and Open Days

Sunday 12th September                                                                                 Transition Chepstow
Chepstow Comprehensive School Car Park, Chepstow 10am to 4pm (last drop off 2.30pm).  You are invited to bring unwanted, yet still useful, items and materials, and to take away any items / materials they can make use of. No money changes hands. The event enables people to pass on unwanted goods to those who can make use of them free of charge. Transition Chepstow is again organising the reuse event with the support of Keep Wales Tidy. For more information about the event call Janet on 01291 625977 or check www.transitionchepstow.org.uk .

Tuesday 14th September                                                                                  Wye Valley AONB
Bats by the Abbey. 7pm start. Leader: Ian Rabjohns Find out about bats, their habits and habitats in Tintern Abbey. A talk followed by a walk along the riverbank. Tintern Abbey - booking essential.
 

 Sales - Furniture, Tools, Plants....

Every Week                                                                                                               TFSR Cymru
Open for sales of hand and garden tools - all proceeds contribute to the projects that we are supporting in Africa. Sales - Wed to Fri 10am to 4pm and Saturdays 10.30-12.30.  Also open for refurbishing Tuesday and Thursday 7.30 - 9.30pm. Crickhowell  01874 730155 - This month we will be attending the Green Fair at Rhayader on 10th July.

Every Day                                                                                                       Monmouth Fairtrade
The new Monmouth Fairtrade town shopping bag is now on sale at Munday and Jones Greengrocer in Church Street,  Monmouth Museum in Priory Street, Gabby's in Beaufort Yard, and Bridges, Drybridge Park, price £2. It is made from organic Fairtrade cotton and produced for Bishopston Trading by their partners in South India. Using the bag advertises Monmouth's commitment to Fairtrade producers.  It also helps to reduce the use of plastic carriers.  Since they don't biodegrade they can become permanent, troublesome clutter, fouling the landscape and harming animals, birds and sealife.

Every Week Day                                                                                              Homemakers Wales
Showroom open Mon-Fri  9am-4pm  St. Michael's Road, Abergavenny, or at the following sales;

Chepstow Senior Citizens Centre     Monday 6th September 10am - 3pm
Caldicot Methodist Church              Tuesday 14th September 12pm - 4pm
Abergavenny Market Hall                Thursday 16th September 10am - 3pm
 

 Physical Work Days

Every Thursday                                                                                              Gwent Wildlife Trust
Volunteers carry out a variety of practical conservation tasks on Gwent Wildlife Trust Reserves every Thursday. Sessions are led by Gwent Wildlife Trust staff. For further information ring Jan Kinchington on 07738 231155.

2nd Sunday of each month                                                                            Gwent Wildlife Trust
The wardens of Strawberry Cottage Wood are now running Sunday morning work tasks, on the second Sunday of every month, at this gem of a site four miles north of Abergavenny. Sessions will start 9.30am at the lay-by by the woods and finish about 12.30pm. For more information, contact Kaf and John Faragher on 01873 851562.
 

 Training workshops and Conferences

Saturday 4th September                                                                                  Wye Valley AONB
Lime Mortaring 10am - 4pm. Leader: Ty mawr Lime. A practical introduction to lime mortaring. See an example of historical lime use and learn about the composition and application of lime mortar. Please bring gloves, steel toe capped boots or wellies, waterproofs and a packed lunch. Lower Wireworks, Tintern. Cost - £20 - Booking essential.

Sunday 12th September                                                                                Gwent Wildlife Trust
Introduction to Dormice Tutor: Jan Kinchington. If all wildlife were as cute as Dormice, the Trust would have 20,000 members and everyone would want to work in conservation! This course is a chance to meet these elusive mammals and to gain an insight into how they live and the work the Trust does to conserve them. 10am – 11.30am Croes Robert, near Monmouth. Cost: £3 members, £6 non-members. Booking Essential.

Monday and Tuesday 13th and 14th September                                            Gwent Wildlife Trust
Dry Stone Walling Tutor: Terry Mead. Be involved in the restoration of an ancient landscape feature. This practical course will teach you the necessary skills to strip out and rebuild a strong, stock-proof boundary wall, without the need for cement. Learn the function of the different types of stone used in a dry stone wall, and how to build safely and effectively with them. This is a practical course. Attendees should be prepared for a lot of heavy lifting. 9.30am – 4.30pm Pentwyn Farm, near Monmouth. Cost: £45 members, £60 non-members. Booking Essential
 

 Forthcoming events - early notice of events over the next few months

If you are planning an event in Monmouthshire in the next few months, that will be of interest to visitors to this site, contact us

Friday 22nd to Sunday 31st October                         Adventa/Monmouthshire Countryside Service
 The Monmouthshire Walking Festival offers a range of 32 walks over 10 days, with long and short walks to suit all interests and levels of fitness.  Download the brochure and booking form here.

Tuesday 2nd November                                                                                Gwent Wildlife Trust    
Fantastic Fungi 10am-1pm, Christchurch Cemetery ( Newport )
Join us for an informal walk around Christchurch Cemetery with Sheila Spence of the Gwent Fungus Group. Sheila will help us to learn more about fungi, their importance and (fingers crossed!) see some of the variety of grassland fungi that Christchurch Cemetery is home to. FREE as part of the Gwent Living Churchyards Project. BOOKING IS REQUIRED. To book a place please contact Rebecca Price (Gwent Wildlife Trust, 01600 740358 or rprice@gwentwildlife.org
 

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