Links

This page contains some links to other web sites which may be of interest to those working in the Monmouthshire environment.
Updated 21/12/09

Local community websites

Chepstow Town Council web site with some information about local events, attractions and clubs.

Usk Guide to Usk, with visitor information, activities, events and local clubs and societies.

Circle of Legends A website dedicated to some legendary figures associated with Monmouthshire history including King Arthur, King Tewdric and Sabrina.  Descriptions of the various characters' links with the County, suggested walks to find out more and visit some of the locations.  There is a circle of carved figures at Old Station, Tintern linked to these historical men and women.
 

Statutory and Government bodies

Monmouthshire County Council - Council in South Wales outlines its performance indicators and features a directory of community organizations. Browse the local attractions.

Welsh Assembly Government - Provides details about this Welsh governing body established in 1998. With a record of proceedings and departmental reports.

Brecon Beacons National Park - The Brecon Beacons National Park is a 'working' landscape, evolving over the centuries as a harmonious blend of natural beauty and human history.

Environment Agency  - Enter a postcode to find out about local environmental risks and flooding or view reports on sustainable development, waste management and the environment.

Powys County Council - Welsh council posting an A-Z directory of its services, plus contact details for county councillors.

Torfaen County Borough Council  - A-Z directory of services, what's on in the Torfaen area.

Sustainable Development Commission The Government's independent advisor on sustainable development.  Case studies, government activity and news, Welsh Sustainable Development Commission news.
 

Campaigning Groups

CPRW (Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales) - Find out what the group is doing to doing to protect the Welsh landscape and its inhabitants. Become a member or read bulletins.

Friends of the Earth - International alliance of environmental groups campaigns on national and local levels to bring about change in environmental concerns.

Greenpeace - Veteran environmental group campaigning on a range of issues including GM, pollution, unethical fishing practices, nuclear power etc.

Conservation Groups

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers - UK-wide organisation training people in practical land management and conservation skills. Employment opportunities and current project outlined.

National Trust - Preserves places of historic interest or natural beauty in the UK. News and events, places to visit, holidays and travel plus info for schools.

Gwent National Trust Association - the local branch of the National Trust with an active membership who support local properties such as The Kymin above Monmouth, and raise funds for other Welsh properties.  There is a full programme of talks, trips and events, as well as volunteering opportunities.

RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) British charity operates bird watching reserves. Review membership benefits, news and conservation issues.

Council for National Parks - Charity promoting the conservation, enhancement, enjoyment and understanding of the National Parks of England and Wales. With press and campaigns.

Ravine Woodlife - A project in the Wye Valley AONB funded by the European LIFE Nature programme, working on the Wye Valley Woodlands Special Area of Conservation.  The web site has useful information about woodland management for conservation.

Education

New! Cynnal Cymru/Sustain Wales - Independent not-for-profit organisation promoting sustainable development in Wales and providing practical advice on sustainable living.  There is a searchable directory of projects in Wales, to find out what is happening in other areas.

Centre for Alternative Technology - Welsh organisation that promotes sustainable and ecologically-sound lifestyles. Includes examples of technology and a shopping guide.

Big Picture On-line TV channel with video clips of interviews with global leaders in sustainability - environmentalists, scientists, politicians, journalists, academics and activists.

Women's Environmental Network - Organisation for men and women promotes education of different environmental and civil liberties topics. Resource includes news and volunteering instructions.

Wiser Earth - a website where individuals and organisations can share information, views, ideas, find funding, recruit staff, build alliances on issues related to social justice and environmental protection.  Wiser Earth was launched by the Natural Capital Institute.
 

Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency

Monmouthshire Green Directory has been developed by ourselves to help local people to source greener products and services (including renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency) in Monmouthshire or just beyond.

National Assembly Sustainable Energy Group is coordinated by Dulas and aims to raise awareness of sustainable and renewable energy issues, opportunities and new innovations amongst the National Assembly and assist development of these technologies in Wales.  There are several interesting reports on the web sites of new and existing technologies and their application.

Awel Aman Tawe is an inspiring community energy project regenerating an area formerly dominated by coal mining.  The project provides energy efficiency advice, reduces energy costs for local homeowners,  provides training and new skills to local people in energy efficiency and renewables installations, and generate their own energy to raise funds for further project development.

Talybont on Usk another inspiring community energy generation scheme, this time using water power. 

New! The Green Valleys Brecon Beacons National Park project for funding under the NESTA Big Green Challenge, to initiate and promote community action on energy conservation, renewable energy and habitat improvements that face up to the challenges of climate change in multi-faceted ways. 

Waste Management and Recycling

Cylch Wales' community recycling network.  A membership organisation promoting and helping its members with recycling initiatives and sustainable waste management.

Waste Awareness Wales - a campaign established to promote waste reduction, reuse and recycling amongst all sectors of the community.

Waste Watch UK - British charitable organization attempts to protect the environment through recycling advocacy. Order publications or read news.

Agriculture and horticulture

Farmers' Markets in Wales lists locations of farmers' markets in Wales each month, and also includes searchable list of producers, and news for farmers, growers and farmers' market customers.

Soil Association - Group promoting organic food and farming. Find 10 reasons to go organic, educational resources and links to companies.  Features library resources, news, clean food facts and info on the campaign against GM crops.  

Garden Organic is the new name for the Henry Doubleday Research Association, a great source of information for all matters organic.

Bees for Development is a Monmouth based, international charity that helps small farmers and producers in African and other developing countries to keep bees.  The charity provides support, advice and training, helping beekeepers to become better apiculturists, and provide a sustainable livelihood for their families.

Penhein Wildlife Conservation Scheme is based on a farm in Monmouthshire, that seeks new and novel ways of encouraging investment in wildlife conservation on a 420 acre estate with a range of habitat types including a National Nature Reserve.  Penhein's owners see this as a pilot for a potentially much larger project.

Transport

Sustrans - Organisation that constructs bike and walking routes and tracks. Includes publications and maps, news, advice, and links.

Do it with Dai car/lift share network in Mid Wales, plus public transport information.

Xephos brilliant website with integrated bus, coach and train information, perfect for planning journeys using public transport.  Free trial for users, then payable by subscription.

Green Burials

Native Woodland - Natural burial sites, including a new site near Usk.

Others