Forthcoming events - Early notice of events in the next few months.

Regular group meetings, Talks and Walks

Thursday 2nd February Countryside Council for Wales
World Wetlands Day walk to explore the reedbeds in winter.  Listen out for residents such as Cetti's warbler and water rail, as well as over-wintering waterfowl such as tufted duck, gadwall and pochard.  3.30pm to 5pm at Newport Wetlands Reserve, meet at Reserve car park.

Saturday 4th February Gwent Ornithological Society
Full day visit to Whiteford Burrows NNR.  Meet Wendell Thomas at 08.00 at M4 Junction 47 services for a full day visit (high tide 17.00), bring packed lunch and outdoor clothing and footwear.

Saturday 4th February Monmouthshire Countryside Service
"Castle, snowdrops and ancient hill fort"  11.00am (Approx 4 hours).  Join us for a 6 mile (9.5km) walk passing Clytha Castle, an Iron Age hill fort, a secluded church and a section of the Usk Valley Walk. One very steep slope and lots of stiles. Bring a packed lunch and a drink. Assistance dogs only please. There is no charge for this activity.  Leave the old road from Raglan to Abergavenny at the turning signposted "Bettws Newydd." Park in the National Trust car park on your right after 400 metres (SO 361 085). Postcode NP7 9BW.

Saturday 4th February Forgotten Landscape Partnership
Try Something Different - Environmental Art Workshops with Louella Gwillim - Building on the Past. 9.45am - 3.30pm Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Church Road, Blaenavon, Torfaen, NP4 9AS.

Sunday 5th February  Forgotten Landscape Partnership
Try Something Different - Environmental Art Workshops with Susie Bright Family and Friends.  9.45am - 3.30pm Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Church Road, Blaenavon, Torfaen, NP4 9AS.

Monday 6th February  Llanthony & District Garden Club
8pm Cwmyoy Village Hall. The Garden at The Pant.  Dr Jeremy Swift will talk about the inspiration and development of his extraordinary 25 acre garden at The Pant Fforest Coalpit, shown to the public for the first time last June.  A well kept secret.

Tuesday 7th February Forgotten Landscape Partnership
Living Landscapes Lecture - Volunteer Rangers in the Blaenavon World Heritage Site.  Hear from the volunteers first hand about their experiences of looking after the Blaenavon World Heritage Site and the Forgotten Landscapes Partnership area.  7pm Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Church Road, Blaenavon, Torfaen, NP4 9AS.

Wednesday 8th February Usk Civic Society
The Rebirth of Bedwellty House in Ebbw Vale with Nicole Deufel.  8pm, The Library Sessions House, Usk.  £2 for non-members.

Wednesday 8th February Usk Conservation & Environmental Group
Talk at British Legion Club Usk 7.30pm. Speaker TBC.

Thursday 9th February Gwent Beekeepers Association
The Wildflowers of Monmouthshire's Meadows Rebecca Price Gwent Wildlife Trust.   Talk at Goytre Village Hall, 7.30pm.

Friday 10th February Abergavenny Cycle Group
Canal cycle ride.  Meet at 9.30am Llanfoist Car Park. Ride south along the canal to Pontymoel Basin to coincide with Bell-ringing to celebrate 200 years since the canal opening. Return along the canal to finish around 3.00 pm.

Saturday 11th February  Gwent Ornithological Society
Roger Moss - Re-Greening Shapwick Moor.  Roger, from the Hawk and Owl Trust, will show how the restoration of former arable land on the Somerset Levels to wet grassland and fen is attracting hobbies, buzzards and kestrels as well as lapwings to this new reserve. Goytre Village Hall, Penperlleni (SO 323 046) and start at 7:30pm. 

Sunday 12th February Forgotten Landscape Partnership
Try Something Different 2012 - Art Workshops.  Blaenavon's Drawing Board - from Past to Present.  9.45-3.30pm Blaenavon World Heritage Centre

Tuesday 14th February  Chepstow Friends of the Earth
Monthly meeting at Chepstow Athletic, Mathern Road, Chepstow. 7.30pm. All welcome.

Tuesday 14th February Gwent Wildlife Trust
Dr George Peterken, OBE, former president of the GWT gives an illustrated talk on the evolution of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and how the landscape has changed after the retreat of the glaciers. The predominant force for the last 5,000 years being us and our predecessors. 7.30pm the Ballroom Glen yr Afon Hotel, Usk £2 for adults, under 16s free id accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday 15th February Chepstow Society
Monthly meeting at Chepstow Drill Hall, 7.15pm. Harry Middleditch "The Sealed Knot".

Wednesday 15th February Gwent Wildlife Trust
Chris Hatch is a consultant in ecology and wildlife conservation and is well known for his wonderful photography.  Tonight he will entertain us with a talk about his searches for the Scottish Wildcat and the wildlife of the Scottish Highlands.  7.30pm Chepstow Leisure Centre.  Members £1.50, non-members £2.

Thursday 16th February  Transition Chepstow
Wildlife in Transition group meeting at private venue - contact Rose for directions 01291 621914.  We will be discussing the possible impact of the new Local Development Plan on local wildlife and planning our activities for the year ahead.

Sunday 19th February Gwent Ornithological Society
Full day visit to Cors y Llyn NNR and Gigrin Farm.  Meet Rob Parsons 08.00 at first layby on A470 by Royal Welsh Showground (SO 040515), bring packed lunch and outdoor clothing and footwear.  Entrance fee to Gigrin Farm red kite feeding station.

Sunday 19th February  Monmouthshire Countryside Service
 "Gilwern and the Clydach Gorge" 11.00am (approx 3.5 hours).  This 6.25 Miles (10 km) walk follows the river Clydach along the old tram road from Gilwern to Clydach and continues on to Black Rock, before returning via the old railway line, a beech woodland and the derelict Clydach Iron Works.  A few stiles and one steep slope.  Bring your own packed lunch and a drink. Assistance dogs only please. There is no charge for this activity.  Meet in the public car park in the main street in Gilwern Village (SO 248 146).  Postcode NP7 0AP.

Monday 20th February  Abergavenny & Crickhowell Friends of the Earth
Monthly meeting The Kings Arms, Abergavenny 7.30pm

Monday 20th February Gwent Wildlife Trust
Wild Boar of the Forest of Dean with Alistair Fraser.  Alistair Fraser is passionate about these animals and keeps some himself.  Bridges Community Centre Ballroom, Monmouth 7.30pm.

Saturday 25th February Forgotten Landscape Partnership
Try Something Different 2012 - Art Workshops.  Blaenavon's Drawing Board - from Past to Present.  9.45-3.30pm Blaenavon World Heritage Centre

Saturday 25th February  Gwent Ornithological Society
Pete Carty - Wildlife in Bulgaria - Natural History at a crossroads.  Bulgaria has a rich birdlife with an estimated 400 species, 20 of which are globally threatened.  Pete is a leader through the British Bulgarian Friendship Society and brings a great insight into the birdlife of this often forgotten country. Goytre Village Hall, Penperlleni (SO 323 046) and start at 7:30pm. 

Saturday 25th February Transition Monmouth
Seed and Plant swop, Tools for Self Reliance Stall and Fairtrade coffee morning at The Priory, Monmouth.  Bring your saved seeds from last autumn, to swop for something you've never grown before.

Sunday 26th February Forgotten Landscape Partnership
Industrial Archaeology.  Discover hidden archaeology in the hills around Blaenavon with members of the Blaenavon Community Archaeology project.  11am - 1pm Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Church Road, Blaenavon, Torfaen, NP4 9AS.

Special Events and Open days

Saturday 11th February Gwent Wildlife Trust
Wonderful Winter Wildlife.  Join us at Magor Marsh to find out all about the wonders of winter wildlife. Discover how animals survive the colder months by following our trail. Warm up around our campfire and toast a tasty treat. There will be wildlife crafts and hot refreshments in the centre too. Hosts: Kathy Barclay & Helen John 1pm - 4pm Magor Marsh, near Newport Contact: GWT, 01600 740600 Cost: £1 children, adults FREE

Saturday 11th to 26th February Forgotten Landscape Partnership
Exhibition: Reflections on the Forgotten Landscapes.  Can you imagine what would it might have been like walking to school in Blaenavon when our world famous iron-works was in full production?  9am to 4pm Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Church Road, Blaenavon, Torfaen, NP4 9AS.

Saturday 18th February  Transition Chepstow
1pm to 5pm at the Beaufort Hotel function room, the Transition Chepstow Energy Group (TCEG) is holding a workshop to decide on two or three strategies for the Energy Group that will help significantly to reduce the Chepstow and surrounding villages’ energy bill.  TCEG wants to involve more people in deciding appropriate ways forward for reducing related fuel bills.  Places at the workshop are limited to 20 people so please book your place in advance to ensure attendance by emailing energy@transitionchepstow.org.uk

Saturday 25th February  Monmouthshire Countryside Service
"National Nest Box Week at Ysgol y Fenni, Abergavenny" 10.30am to 12.30pm.  Join Sarah Jones to find out about nest boxes not only for birds but also bats, toads, hedgehogs and bees! Play games about making nests and find out about materials used to make nests. Bring an orange or onion mesh bag to make your own nest material dispenser. Order your own free National nest box week pack from http://www.bto.org/nnbw/info_pack.htm.  Please wear suitable footwear and bring a waterproof coat. There is no charge for this activity.  Family event - children to be accompanied by an adult. A "barrier free" activity. Accessible toilet on site. Assistance dogs only please. Indoor facilities if wet.  Leave the Hereford Road in Mardy at the north end of Abergavenny at St. Teilo's Road. (On your left just before a pelican crossing). Take the second turning on your right also sign posted St. Teilo's Road. Continue for 300 metres to where the road bears to the left and look out a sign post to the Community Centre on your right. Take this turning and park carefully in the school car park (SO 306 156) . Postcode NP7 6HF.

Sales - Furniture, Tools, Plants .....

Every Week  Tools for Self Reliance (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 2pm and Saturdays 10.30-12.30. Also open for refurbishing Tuesday and Thursday 7.30 - 9.30pm and Wed to Fri 10am to 2pm. Crickhowell 01874 730155.

Every Day  Monmouth Fairtrade Forum
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 Furniture Recycling
Showroom open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm St. Michael's Road, Abergavenny, or at the following sales;

Chepstow Senior Citizens Centre  Monday 9th January 10am - 3pm
Caldicot Methodist Church Tuesday 10th January 12pm - 4pm
Abergavenny Market Hall Thursday 19th January 10am - 3pm

Physical Work Days

Saturday 18th February Forgotten Landscape Partnership
Living Landscape Activity - Volunteer Rangers.  Following on from their lecture this is a chance to have a go at a practical conservation task alongside the World Heritage Volunteer Rangers.  10.30-3pm Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Church Road, Blaenavon, Torfaen, NP4 9AS.

Sunday 19th February Transition Chepstow
Litter picking and clean up session in Chepstow.  10am to 1pm For location for today's clean up please email litter@transitionchepstow.org.uk

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

February 2012 Gwent Beekeepers' Association
Beginners' course in beekeeping - 8 theory classes in the classroom, and 6 practical sessions at the apiary.  Course fee £30; as the course is usually over-subscribed, priority will be given to people who have attended one of the Association's Taster Sessions.  Contact course tutor John Holden for information 01873 831273 or email johnholden142@yahoo.co.uk  

GAVO run various training courses for voluntary groups, ranging from designing publicity materials, to health and safety and first aid to running a community building. The latest edition of the training brochure may be downloaded here.

Back to the top

Regular group meetings, Talks and Walks

Saturday 3rd March Monmouthshire Countryside Service
"Up onto the Skirrid".  11.00am (approx 3.5 hours).  Join us for this 5 mile (8km) walk to the summit of the Skirrid Mountain. Find out more about the history of the "Holy Mountain" and hopefully enjoy fantastic views from the top. A few stiles, one steep ascent and some uneven ground. Assistance dogs only please. Bring a packed lunch and a drink. There is no charge for this activity. Teas available at the Church Hall after the walk. Follow the B4521 between Abergavenny and Skenfrith. Meet at Llanddewi Skirrid Church Hall car park  (SO 343 168) on the roadside near Bryn y Gwenin. Postcode NP7 8AW.

Monday 5th March Llanthony & District Garden Club
8pm Cwmyoy Village Hall. All Our Yesterdays.  Frank Hardy, once Vice Principal of Pershore College of Horticulture and maker of several Chelsea gardens, talks about the changes that have overtaken gardens and gardeners since 1945.  Was it really like that?

Tuesday 6th March Gwent Wildlife Trust
Abergavenny Group meeting - Windchat country with Steve Smith, St Michael's Centre Pen y Pound, 7.30pm.  Entry £1, under 16s free.

Thursday 8th March Gwent Beekeepers' Association
Talk at Goytre Village Hall, 7.30pm.  "A new kind of Queen rearing" Michael Hunt.

Saturday 10th March  Gwent Ornithological Society
Keith Offord will talk about "Sky Dance, experiences of watching Harriers in Wales".  Goytre Village Hall, Penperlleni (SO 323 046) and start at 7:30pm. 

Saturday 10th March Abergavenny Cycle Group
Cycle ride from Hereford.  Please contact Lynette Green for information about Cycling for Softies.

Sunday 11th March Gwent Wildlife Trust
A Walk - The Changing Scenery of Magor Marsh - Spring with Paul Cawley.  Paul is a local conservationist and game keeper.  Booking essential 01600 740600 £6 members, £9 non-members.

Sunday 11th March Abergavenny Climate Action
Seedy Sunday plant and seed swop at Trinity Church Hall, Baker Street 11am to 2.30pm.  Fairtrade refreshments, Tools for Self Reliance stall and Meet The Installer renewable energy companies.

Monday 12th March Monmouth Fairtrade Forum
Fairtrade Fortnight event in association with Monmouth Womens' Festival.  A talk by Harriet Lamb, Executive Director of the Fairtrade Foundation.  Under her Directorship Fairtrade products have increased enormously, as has trade in them.  Monmouth Priory 7pm for 7.30 start, tickets from Monmouth Museum, Rossiter Books, or on-line from Monmouth Women's Festival cost £10 to include a glass of Fairtrade wine.

Monday 12th March Transition Chepstow
AGM 7.30-9.30 Regency Room, Beaufort Hotel Chepstow.

Tuesday 13th March  Chepstow Friends of the Earth
Monthly meeting at Chepstow Athletic, Mathern Road, Chepstow. 7.30pm. All welcome.

Tuesday 13th March Gwent Wildlife Trust
Usk group meeting with Dr Alex Pollard (RSPB) who will talk about the Return of Ospreys to Wales.  The Ballroom, Glen yr Afon Hotel Usk 7.30pm.  £2 adults, Under 16s free

Wednesday 14th March Usk Civic Society
AGM followed by "Helping Bees Make Honey" with Bob Fowles.  8pm Sessions House Usk.

Wednesday 14th March Usk Conservation & Environmental Group
AGM at British Legion Club Usk 7.30pm.

Sunday 18th March  Monmouthshire Countryside Service
 "Wells and springs and things around Trellech" 10.00am (approx 3 hours).  Join us on this 5 mile (8km) walk visiting the Virtuous Well at Trellech and other wells and water sources in the Trellech, Catbrook and Cleddon area. Dogs on short leads permitted. Lots of stiles. There is no charge for this activity.  Trellech is on the B4293 between Monmouth and Chepstow.  Meet by the map board opposite the Doctor's Surgery (SO 501 052). Car parking in the village. Postcode NP25 4PE.

Monday 19th March  Gwent Wildlife Trust
Monmouth Group meeting Birdsong in Monmouthshire with Mick Bailey using pictures and sound.  The Ballroom, Bridges Community Centre 7.30pm.

Monday 19th March  Abergavenny & Crickhowell Friends of the Earth
Monthly meeting The Bear Crickhowell 7.30pm

Wednesday 21st March Chepstow Society
Monthly meeting at Chepstow Drill Hall, 7.15pm. Richard Selby "History of Fairfield Mabey".

Wednesday 21st March Gwent Wildlife Trust
Chepstow Group meeting with wildlife photographer Helen Mugridge who will speak about "My Favourite Places for Wildlife".  7.30pm Chepstow Leisure Centre.

Thursday 22nd March Transition Chepstow
Food group meeting 7.30-9.30 Regency Room, Beaufort Hotel, Chepstow.  Help Chepstow create more local and sustainable food supplies.

Saturday 24th March  Gwent Ornithological Society
For our last indoor meeting of the winter season Ian Harrison will talk about "Birding in Oman".  Goytre Village Hall, Penperlleni (SO 323 046) and start at 7:30pm. 

Sunday 25th March Usk Conservation & Environmental Group
A walk Llanllowell and the Usk Valley Walk.  Meet at the side of the road at Llanllowell Church 10.30am.

Wednesday 28th March Monmouth Civic Society
Monthly meeting, St Thomas' Church Hall, St Thomas Sq, Monmouth.

Thursday 29th March Monmouthshire Meadows Group
AGM, and talk by Paul Toynton of The Grasslands Trust.  7pm

Saturday 31st March  Gwent Ornithological Society
Visit to Great Bustard release site in Wiltshire.  See GOS events website for full details.

Special Events and Open days

Saturday and Sunday 17th and 18th March   Monmouthshire Community Climate Champions
Monmouthshire Eco Open Doors Weekend.  Choose from more than 20 properties to visit over the weekend and talk to homeowners about their energy saving and renewable energy installations to find out how much it really cost, and how much it saves.  An eco-designed school will be opening at Rogiet, there will be solar thermal, solar PV, solar thermal, wind power, hydro power, ground and air source heat pumps, and examples of energy efficient lighting and heating controls to see.  Buildings range from village halls, old farmhouses, barn conversions, conventional retro-fitted houses and newly designed eco-houses. There will also be 3 meet the installer events - at Abergavenny (in conjunction with Seedy Sunday Trinity Hall on 11th March), Monmouth (St Thomas Hall) and Chepstow (Drill Hall. For the latest list of Open Doors visit www.monecoopendoors.org.uk  

Saturday 31st March  Gwent Wildlife Trust
Spring Fun Day at Magor Marsh with Kathy Barclay and Helen John.  Crafts, wildflower seed planting and trails to follow.  £1 children, adults free 1pm to 4pm.

 

Sales - Furniture, Tools, Plants .....

Every Week  Tools for Self Reliance (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 2pm and Saturdays 10.30-12.30. Also open for refurbishing Tuesday and Thursday 7.30 - 9.30pm and Wed to Fri 10am to 2pm. Crickhowell 01874 730155.

Every Day  Monmouth Fairtrade Forum
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 Furniture Recycling
Showroom open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm St. Michael's Road, Abergavenny, or at the following sales;

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

Physical Work Days

Sunday 4th March   Transition Chepstow
Transition Chepstow Landshare Plot work day 10am to 3pm Hanley Court Tidenham.  Please contact Marcus Perrin food@transitionchepstow.org.uk if you plan to attend

Sunday 18th March   Transition Chepstow
Transition Chepstow Landshare Plot work day 10am to 3pm Hanley Court Tidenham.

Saturday 31st March  Transition Chepstow
Litter clean up in the Chepstow area.  Contact Paul at litter@transitionchepstow.org.uk for details.

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.  On Sunday 11th March the work will involve repairs to paths, surveying and cleaning out bird boxes ready for the new season.

Training ... Workshops and Conferences

Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th March  Forgotten Landscape Partnership
National Navigation Award - Bronze Level.  Develop your map and compass skills and gain confidence to navigate in the countryside.  10am to 4,30 Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Church Road, Blaenavon.

Wednesday March 14th Gwent Wildlife Trust
Apple Grafting Workshop with Robert Boyle at Pentwyn Farm 10am to 1pm.  Learn to propagate your own varieties, or preserve ancient Welsh varieties from scions, or you could bring your own cuttings (best done in January).  This course is likely to be popular - booking essential 01600 740600.  Grafting knives will need to be purchased in advance, or ordered for the day £10.

Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March  Monmouthshire Community Climate Champions
Charcoal making workshop being run as part of Monmouthshire Eco Open Doors, showcasing energy saving, carbon reduction and use of local resources.  Learn all the steps of making charcoal from how to load the kiln, to starting and monitoring the burn, to unloading and grading the final product.  The course costs £15 per person (10 minimum needed to make the course viable), and prior booking is essential 01291 421459 or 07787 317390.  A reasonable level of physical fitness is needed, and tough clothes recommended.  The course takes place at Wentwood, Friday evening, Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon.  All participants will leave with a bag of the charcoal they have helped to make.

Saturday 31st March and Sunday 1st April   Bees for Development
Two day course "Sustainable Beekeeping" in the Forest of Dean.  The course is aimed at beekeeping beginners as well as those with experience.  It covers the management of bees and natural ways to care for them.  The course costs £175 including VAT and covers the cost of all meals and refreshments as well as tuition.  Full information can be found here.

Forthcoming Events

Don't Forget - Fairtrade Fortnight Feb 27th to 11th March!

Sunday 20th May  Transition Chepstow
Give It Away, Take It Away, 10am to 4pm at Severn Bridge Social Club car park.  We are also looking for marshalls to help at the event.

If you are planning an event in Monmouthshire in the next few months, that will be of interest to visitors to this site, please contact us at admin@monmouthshiregreenweb.co.uk
 

Back to the top