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All event information is correct at
the time of going to print. Occasionally details may
change, so please contact GWT on 01600 740600 for
confirmation. During the year, we often add new courses
and events. These are communicated to our members
through regular mailings and by email. Everyone is
welcome to receive our regular eNewsletter free of
charge. Please send an email to Rachael Daniels on
rdaniels@gwentwildlife.org for more information.
By definition, the nature you may see
on our walks and courses is wild. There can be no
guarantee that you will see any particular plant or
animal. However, there will always be plenty to see and
you will be in the company of experts. Unless otherwise
stated, children under 14 are half price. Please note
that dogs are not permitted at any of the events listed
in the programme, unless otherwise indicated, to avoid
disturbance to wildlife.
Booking
Our courses and events tend to be very
popular and fill up quickly, so early booking is
advised. Where booking is essential, please call GWT on
01600 740600 or the ERC on 01495 307525, dependent on
the course details. Please note that places on courses
are secured only on receipt of payment and payment is
due within two weeks of booking or by return if the
event is less than two weeks away. We can take payments
by credit or debit card over the phone or by cash or
cheque (made payable to GWT) by post to GWT, Seddon
House, Dingestow, Monmouth NP25 4DY.
Cancelling
Sometimes GWT needs to cancel or
postpone events for reasons beyond its control such as
weather or staff sickness. In the unlikely event of this
occurring, a full refund will be given. In the event of
cancellation by yourself, we will make a full refund
provided at least two weeks’ notice is given. For booked
events, all the attendees will be contacted in the event
of a cancellation. For the open events, such as evening
talks, an email will be broadcast to our members (for
those that have given us their email addresses) and the
latest information will be available on our website. In
the event of bad weather, please contact the office or
the relevant local group to find out if a talk or work
task is still going ahead.
Accessibility of Courses
GWT encourages people to make
decisions about the suitability of courses for
themselves. If you would like to discuss the suitability
of a particular activity or would like further access
information, please contact the People & Wildlife
Manager on
djackson@gwentwildlife.org or 01600 740600. Please
note that most of our reserves have no facilities and
packed lunches may be required. In many cases, the
terrain can be difficult, so always check with the
office if you have concerns about the fitness levels
required for any particular event. Please also remember
that the majority of our reserves and event venues are
in remote countryside.
January
GWT Abergavenny Local Group Work
Party
Sunday 8th January, 10am – 12.30pm Strawberry
Cottage Wood Contact: GWT Abergavenny Local Group, 01873
851562 Work involves repairs to paths, surveying, bird
box inspections, etc.
WING Work Task
Sunday 8th January, 10.30am Meet at the top car
park of the Newport Civic Centre Contact: Richard Bakere,
07891 044077 Solutia – woodland and scrub management
Travels in the Northern Territories
of Australia
Speaker: Frances Baines Tuesday 10th
January, 7.30pm The Ballroom, Glen-yr-Afon House
Hotel, Usk Contact: GWT Usk Local Group, 01291 673141
Cost: £2, under 16s FREE (accompanied by an adult only)
Frances, in her ‘walkabouts’, shares with us an
illustrated talk on her wonderful journey ‘where the
wild things are’. Travel through beautiful tropical
woodlands, the wetlands of Kakadu, and the arid, sandy
deserts around the MacDonnell Ranges.
Exmoor Ponies at Trellech
Speaker: Stephanie Poulter Monday 16th January, 7.30pm Bridges
Community Centre, Monmouth Contact: GWT Monmouth Local
Group, 01600 740286 Stephanie Poulter talks about how
she maintains a herd of these wild ponies and hires them
out for grazing.
The BTO Garden Birdwatch Scheme
Speaker: Mick Bailey Wednesday 18th January,
7.30pm Chepstow Leisure Centre, Chepstow Contact: GWT
Chepstow Local Group, 01291 689326 Cost: Members £1.50,
non-members £2 Tea and coffee available Mick is a Garden
Birdwatch Ambassador for the British Trust for
Ornithology
Coppicing Tutor
Jan Kinchington Wednesday 25th January, 10am
– 3pm Croes Robert Reserve, near Monmouth Contact: GWT,
01600 740600 Cost: £6 members, £9 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL Come and learn more about coppicing — the
ancient art of cutting trees and shrubs to promote
vigorous growth to create a sustainable supply of
timber. This course is a practical introduction to
coppicing. You will learn one of the oldest woodland
skills using traditional methods. The course includes
felling and stacking coppice, layering, sharpening and
safe use of tools. Jan is one of the Reserve Officers at
GWT with particular responsibility for Croes Robert,
where GWT’s coppicing and charcoal projects are run.
Brilliant Birdwatch
Saturday 28th January, 2pm – 4pm
ERC, Ebbw
Vale Contact: ERC, 01495 307525 Cost: FREE Refreshments
available Join us at the ERC to watch the variety of
birds visiting the feeders right outside the windows.
Enjoy a hot drink and welshcake and take part in
bird-inspired crafts.
February
GWT Blaenau Gwent Local Group
Meeting
Wednesday 1st February, 7pm
ERC, near Ebbw Vale
Contact: GWT Blaenau Gwent Local Group, 01495 308056 All
welcome to come along and find out what has been
happening with the Blaenau Gwent Local Group over the
winter.
WING Work Task
Sunday 5th February, 10.30am Meet at the top car
park of the Newport Civic Centre Contact: Richard Bakere,
07891 044007 Solutia – woodland management
Bees
and Beekeeping
Speaker: John Holden Tuesday 7th
February, 7.30pm St Michael’s Centre, Abergavenny
Contact: GWT Abergavenny Local Group, 01873 852036 Cost:
£1, under 16s FREE
Wonderful Winter Wildlife
Hosts: Kathy Barclay & Helen John Saturday 11th
February, 1pm – 4pm
Magor Marsh, near Newport
Contact: GWT, 01600 740600 Cost: £1 children, adults
FREE 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.
GWT Abergavenny Local Group Work
Party
Sunday 12th February, 10am – 12.30pm Strawberry
Cottage Wood Contact: GWT Abergavenny Local Group, 01873
851562 Work involves repairs to paths, surveying, bird
box inspections, etc.
Evolution of the Lower Wye
Landscape
Speaker: Dr George Peterken Tuesday 14th February,
7.30pm The Ballroom, Glen-yr-Afon House Hotel, Usk
Contact: GWT Usk Local Group, 01291 673141 Cost: £2,
under 16s FREE (accompanied by an adult only) 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.
Permaculture Design Tools
Tutor: Veronika Brannovic Wednesday 15th February,
10.30am – 3pm ERC, Ebbw Vale Contact: ERC, 01495 307525
Cost: £3 members, £6 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL Learn
the basic tools and techniques used to design
sustainable projects – gardens, workspaces, lifestyles –
in this introductory workshop.
In Search of the Wild Cat
Wildlife in the Scottish Highlands Speaker: Chris Hatch
Wednesday 15th February, 7.30pm Chepstow Leisure
Centre, Chepstow Contact: GWT Chepstow Local Group,
01291 689326 Cost: Members £1.50, non-members £2 Tea and
coffee available Chris is a consultant in ecology and
wildlife conservation and is well known for his
wonderful photography.
Wild Boar in the Forest of Dean
Speaker: Alistair Fraser Monday 20th February,
7.30pm Bridges Community Centre, Monmouth Contact: GWT
Monmouth Local Group, 01600 740286 Our speaker Alistair
Fraser is passionate about these animals and keeps some
himself.
March
WING Work Task
Sunday 4th March, 10.30am Meet at the top car
park of the Newport Civic Centre Contact: WING, 01633
263374 Allt-yr-Yn – woodland assessment and preparations
for summer
Windchat
Country Speaker: Steve Smith Tuesday 6th March,
7.30pm St Michael’s Centre, Abergavenny Contact: GWT
Abergavenny Local Group, 01873 852036 Cost: £1, under
16s FREE
GWT Abergavenny
Local Group Work Party Sunday 11th March, 10am –
12.30pm Strawberry Cottage Wood Contact: GWT Abergavenny
Local Group, 01873 851562 Work involves repairs to
paths, surveying, bird box inspections, etc.
The Changing Scenery of Magor Marsh
- Spring
Tutor: Paul Cawley Sunday 11th March, 2pm –
4.30pm Magor Marsh, near Newport Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: £6 members, £9 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL Join our local conservationist and game
keeper, Paul Cawley, for a highly informative and
interesting walk and talk about the flora and fauna of
Magor Marsh. This is one in a series of talks repeated
throughout the year so that you can see the changes
through the seasons.
The Return of the Ospreys to Wales
Speaker: Dr Alex Pollard Tuesday 13th March,
7.30pm The Ballroom, Glen-yr-Afon House Hotel, Usk
Contact: GWT Usk Local Group, 01291 673141 Cost: £2,
under 16s FREE (accompanied by an adult only) Dr Alex
Pollard of the RSPB, in an illustrated talk, tells us
about the RSPB’s success in establishing this wonderful
fishing eagle in Wales after years of persecution and
habitat destruction.
Apple Grafting Workshop
Tutor: Robert Boyle Wednesday 14th March, 10am –
1pm Pentwyn Farm, near Monmouth Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: FREE BOOKING ESSENTIAL Come and learn how
to graft apple trees! This ancient skill will allow you
to propagate apple varieties – something especially
important for conserving traditional Welsh varieties. We
will provide scions and five rootstocks per person free
of charge; additional rootstocks will be available to
purchase from the trainer. Of course, feel free to bring
your own graft wood if you have a special variety you
would like to propagate. Contact Alice Rees, Gwent
Orchards Project Officer, for guidance on cutting and
storing graft wood (best collected in January). Grafting
knives will need to be purchased in advance or ordered
for the day (approx £10)
Birdsong in Monmouthshire
Speaker: Mick Bailey Monday 19th March, 7.30pm
Bridges Community Centre, Monmouth Contact: GWT Monmouth
Local Group, 01600 740286 A presentation with pictures
and sound by local ornithologist Mick Bailey.
My Favourite Places for Wildlife
Speaker: Helen Mugridge Wednesday 21st March,
7.30pm Chepstow Leisure Centre, Chepstow Contact: GWT
Chepstow Local Group, 01291 689326 Cost: Members £1.50,
non-members £2 Tea and coffee available Wildlife
photographer, Helen, has a terrific website,
www.willridgeimages.co.uk
Rainforest Explorers
Speaker: John Meredith Thursday 22nd March, 6pm –
7.30pm ERC, Ebbw Vale Contact: ERC, 01495 307525 Cost:
Donations welcome BOOKING ESSENTIAL GWT member, John
Meredith, spent six weeks in Honduras working with
students to survey and record species in the rainforest.
Not quite what you’d usually see in Ebbw Vale!
Spring Fun Day at Magor Marsh
Hosts: Kathy Barclay & Helen John Saturday 31st March,
1pm – 4pm Magor Marsh, near Newport Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: £1 children, adults FREE A day of family
fun to celebrate how Magor Marsh springs into life. Come
and join us to make some crafts, follow a trail around
the reserve and plant some wildflower seeds in pots to
take home with you.
April
Trip to Silent Valley
April - date TBA Contact: GWT Abergavenny Local
Group, 01873 852036 Please contact Keith White on the
above number to indicate your interest
WING Work Task
Sunday 1st April, 10.30am Meet at the top car
park of the Newport Civic Centre Contact: WING, 01633
263374 Away Day – on a GWT or a new Newport reserve
Gwent Wildlife Trust Update
Speaker: Tom Clarke Tuesday 3rd April, 7.30pm St
Michael’s Centre, Abergavenny Contact: GWT Abergavenny
Local Group, 01873 852036 Cost: £1, under 16s FREE Tom
Clarke, CEO, will update everyone on the current
projects and latest news from GWT
GWT Abergavenny
Local Group Work Party Sunday 8th April, 10am –
12.30pm Strawberry Cottage Wood Contact: GWT Abergavenny
Local Group, 01873 851562 Work involves repairs to
paths, surveying, bird box inspections, etc.
Wildlife in Gwent
Speaker: Colin Titcombe Tuesday 10th April,
7.30pm The Ballroom, Glen-yr-Afon House Hotel, Usk
Contact: GWT Usk Local Group, 01291 673141 Cost: £2,
under 16s FREE (accompanied by an adult only) Colin
Titcombe, our well-known naturalist and photographer,
with lots of slides focuses on sharing his wonderful
knowledge of nature on his doorstep.
Birds of Silent Valley
Leader: Tom Eyles Wednesday 11th April, 10.30am –
12.30am Silent Valley Nature Reserve, near Ebbw Vale
Contact: ERC, 01495 307525 Cost: FREE Join the Silent
Valley Reserves Officer on a guided walk around this
fantastic beech woodland, home to a variety of birds and
other animals. The walk is aimed at people with an
interest in birds but you don’t have to be an expert!
Spring Wellbeing
Thursday 12th April, 11am – 4pm
ERC, Ebbw Vale
Contact: ERC 01495 307525 Cost: FREE Refreshments
available Come along to the ERC to find out how to
improve your wellbeing through a range of activities –
indoors and out.
Spring Fun Day at the ERC
Wednesday 18th April, 1pm – 4pm
ERC, Ebbw Vale
Contact: ERC, 01495 307525 Cost: FREE Refreshments
available Visit the ERC for a day of fun activities for
the whole family. Find out about the wildlife at The
Works and try your hand at some spring inspired crafts.
Amphibian Identification and
Surveying Techniques
Tutor: John Wilkinson Friday 20th April, 3pm –
9pm Dingestow Court, near Monmouth Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: £12 members, £16 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL Know nothing about newts? Totally confused
about toads? Feeling ignorant of frogs? Come and learn
how to identify Gwent’s amphibians with a national
expert, Dr John Wilkinson from the Amphibian and Reptile
Conservation Trust. This isn’t a course for
professionals, it’s intended for people who would like
to know how to look for and identify our common species,
perhaps with a view to taking part in the National
Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme (NARRS), which is
run by John and to which many GWT members contribute. A
classroom session will be spent learning the key points
of identification. Then, after a break with an optional
pub dinner, follows a practical session torching,
netting and potentially bottle-trapping for newts. Due
to the unpredictable nature of these species, the
location for the practical element of this course may be
changed to maximise the chances of finding animals. All
booked attendees will be sent full details of any
changes to the schedule.
Reptile Identification and
Surveying Techniques
Tutor: John Wilkinson Saturday 21st April, 9.30am
– 1pm To Be Confirmed Contact: GWT, 01600 740600 Cost:
£12 members, £16 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL Reptiles
are notoriously difficult to find and most of us pass
them by unawares. There are many more reptiles in the
Gwent countryside than the casual visitor will ever be
aware. Following on from our amphibian course above, Dr
John Wilkinson will lead a second course, this time
focused on reptiles. Once again, a classroom session
will teach you how to tell your grass snake from your
adder together with providing an overview of the NARRS
survey methods. This session will be followed by a
practical introduction to reptile surveying at a nearby
site. Building up a good understanding of the
distribution and abundance of both amphibians and
reptiles in the county is the first step to
protecting them so we hope these two courses (which can
be taken together or separately) will give people
the confidence they need to go out and look for
themselves and, hopefully, take part in the NARRS
programme. It must be stressed though that participation
in NARRS is entirely optional for course participants.
Due to the unpredictable nature of these species, the
location for the practical element of this course may be
changed to maximise the chances of finding animals. All
booked attendees will be sent full details of any
changes to the schedule.
Wildlife Photography Intermediate
Course Part 1
Tutor: Chris Hatch Saturday 21st April, 10am –
2pm Magor Marsh, near Newport Contact: GWT, 01600 740600
Cost: £12 members, £16 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL Get
to know your camera including exposure (aperture size,
shutter speed, exposure compensation), depth of field
and use of depth of field preview, use of histograms,
sharpness (auto and manual focusing), white balance and
choice of ISO, composition, perspective (use of macro,
wide angle and long lenses), use of tripods, bean bags
etc. It will include a practical outdoor session using
different camera settings.
A Beginner’s Guide to Woodland
Management
Tutor: Tim Green Friday 27th April, 10.30am – 3pm
Springdale Farm, near Usk Contact: GWT, 01600 740600
Cost: £14 members, £18 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL An
introduction to woodland management for new woodland
owners or smallholders. The course involves looking at
woodland for multi-purpose use, including biodiversity,
firewood and timber production. There will be a
presentation, handout and a walk around Springdale Farm
nature reserve.
Cwmtillery Lakes Bat Walk
In partnership with the Valleys Bat Group Leader:
Richard Poole Friday 27th April, 7.45pm – 10pm
Cwmtillery Lakes, near Abertillery Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: FREE BOOKING ESSENTIAL Join us for a night
time walk looking and listening to a variety of bats.
Learn how these fascinating animals live and hunt all
around us. Also a chance to learn about the work of the
Valleys Bat Group and how you can get involved.
The History of Millstone Extraction
Tutor: Bob Trett & Roger James Saturday 28th April,
11am – 2.30pm Pentwyn Farm
and Prisk Wood, near Monmouth
Contact: GWT, 01600 740600 Cost: £6 members, £9 non
members BOOKING ESSENTIAL A talk on the millstone
extraction in the Penallt area at Pentwyn Farm. This
will be followed by a walk through GWT’s Prisk Wood
examining many features and old quarries within the
landscape.
May
Spider Identification
Tutor: Mike Kilner Saturday 5th May, 11am – 4pm
Magor Marsh, near Newport Contact: GWT, 01600 740600
Cost: £12 members, £16 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL
This is an intermediate level, lab-based course,
suitable for naturalists, wildlife professionals, or
enthusiastic amateurs. We will be concentrating on using
a microscope to identify species of spider down to their
family or genus. Attendees are welcome to bring their
own specimens.
WING Work Task
Sunday 6th May, 10.30am Meet at the top car park
of the Newport Civic Centre Contact: WING, 01633 263374
Away Day – on a GWT reserve
Permaculture Basics
Tutor: Veronika Brannovic Wednesday 9th May,
10.30am – 3pm ERC, Ebbw Vale Contact: ERC, 01495 307525
Cost: £3 members, £6 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Refreshments provided. Heard a bit about
permaculture but want to know more? This one day
workshop will introduce you to the basic principles of
permaculture and some of the techniques used to design
sustainable systems to benefit people and wildlife.
Introduction to Wildlife on the Wye
Canoe Trip Tutors: Richard Bakere & Gwent Outdoor
Education Centre Saturday 12th May, 6am – 1pm
Monmouth to Whitebrook Contact: GWT, 01600 740600 Cost:
£20 members (adults and children), £30 non members
(adults and children) BOOKING ESSENTIAL A rare
opportunity to experience the delights of the sights and
sounds of life on the Wye, at its most peaceful, if
earliest! There can be no nicer way to experience the
wildlife and habitats around you than from the
tranquillity of a canoe. We will be gently paddling the
stretch of the Wye between Monmouth and Whitebrook and
exploring some of its tributaries under the guidance of
one of Gilwern’s canoeing instructors – so there’s no
need to worry if you have never set foot in a canoe
before. Our very own Richard Bakere will be joining us
to introduce us to some of the wildlife we hope to see
en-route. An early departure will give us the best
chance of any close encounters of the natural kind – but
please remember: in wildlife, nothing is guaranteed!
Grow, Make and Show
Saturday 12th May, 2pm – 4.30pm
ERC, Ebbw Vale
Contact: ERC, 01495 307525 Cost: FREE Refreshments
available Join local growers in this celebration of home
(or allotment) grown and made food and craft items.
Bring along your own prize specimens for others to
marvel at. Contact the ERC for a schedule.
GWT Abergavenny Local Group Work
Party
Sunday 13th May, 10am – 12.30pm Strawberry
Cottage Wood Contact: GWT Abergavenny Local Group, 01873
851562 Work involves repairs to paths, surveying, bird
box inspections, etc.
Grand Plant Sale and Bazaar
Hosts: GWT Chepstow Local Group Saturday 19th May,
9.30am – 12.30pm Palmer Centre, Cormeilles Square,
Chepstow Contact: GWT Chepstow Local Group, 01291 689326
Cost: FREE Offers of help and plants to Hilary Lee on
the number above, please
Open Gardens at Coed Cefn In aid of
GWT
Sunday 20th May, 2pm – 6pm Dingestow, near
Monmouth (this event will be sign posted from the A40)
Contact: GWT Monmouth Local Group, 01600 740286
Refreshments available Cost: £3.50 A chance to stroll
around the fabulous 18 acres maintained by Brian and
Alison Willott. They have combined a beautiful,
reasonably easy-to-maintain garden with features that
encourage wildlife, including a wildflower meadow,
woodland, an old orchard, lakes and a pretty walled
garden and rose terrace. Unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Grassland Restoration – Countryside
Management Association Training Day
Host: Tim Green Friday 25th May, 10am – 4pm
Pentwyn Farm and Wyeswood Common, near Monmouth Contact:
GWT, 01600 740600 Cost: FREE to CMA members, £30 to non
CMA members BOOKING ESSENTIAL A training day held for
members of the CMA looking at GWT’s work on grassland
restoration on Wyeswood Common and the ongoing
management of Pentwyn Farm. For more information,
contact Tim Green, Farm & Wildlife Development Officer.
Summer Fun Day at Magor Marsh
Hosts: Kathy Barclay & Helen John Saturday 26th May,
1pm – 4pm Magor Marsh, near Newport Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: £1 children, adults FREE A day of family
fun to discover what wildlife is around at this time of
year. Try your hand at pond dipping and bug hunting
around the reserve and find out more about the
butterflies and flowers here. There will be crafts and
refreshments in the centre too.
June
Trip to Sennybridge
June (date TBA) Contact: GWT Abergavenny Local
Group, 01873 852036 Please contact Keith White on the
above number to indicate your interest
Wild Explorers
Leader: Tom Eyles Wednesday 6th June, 10.30am –
3pm Silent Valley Nature Reserve, near Ebbw Vale
Contact: ERC, 01495 307525 Cost: FREE BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Join the Reserves Officer for Silent Valley exploring
this fantastic beech woodland. You never know what you
might find amongst the trees or in the stream.
Botany Basics
Tutor: Dave Green Thursday 7th June, 10.30am –
3pm ERC, Ebbw Vale Contact: ERC, 01495 307525 Cost: £3
members, £6 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL Refreshments
available Discover the basics of plant identification
with expert and GWT trustee, Dave Green.
Bumblebees for Beginners
Tutor: Marc Carlton Saturday 9th June, 10.30am –
3pm Pentwyn Farm, near Monmouth Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: £12 members, £16 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL Did you know that there are 24 species of
bumblebees in the UK? Although some are very rare,
others are thriving and one species moved here from the
continent very recently and is rapidly spreading across
the UK. Learn about their lifestyle and how to identify
the commoner species, which can be overlooked or
confused with other kinds of bees. A chance to learn the
basics of bumblebee identification, and then observe
them in their natural habitat in the flowery meadows of
the reserve. (Note that this course does not cover
honeybees.)
GWT Abergavenny Local Group Work
Party
Sunday 10th June, 10am – 12.30pm Strawberry
Cottage Wood Contact: GWT Abergavenny Local Group, 01873
851562 Work involves repairs to paths, surveying, bird
box inspections, etc.
National Gardens Scheme Open Day
Host: Annette Murray Sunday 10th June, 10am – 4pm
Pentwyn Farm, near Monmouth Contact: GWT, 01600 740600
Cost: £3, children FREE Tea and coffee available We have
again entered Pentwyn Farm into the National Gardens
Scheme Open Day scheme. Pentwyn Farm is a wild garden as
beautiful as anything under cultivation. Come along to
view the wildflowers of Pentwyn Farm which is famous for
its orchids, teeming with butterflies and with
spectacular views across the Wye Valley. Join us on
guided walks through the meadows at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
Guests can also visit the neighboring reserve, Wyeswood
Common, a 40 hectare grassland and woodland restoration
project and home to the trusts flocks of sheep and
lambs. GWT’s Chepstow Local Group will be hosting a
plant stall (offers of help to Hilary Lee on 01291
689326).
Meadow Plant Identification for
Beginners
Tutor: Rebecca Price Thursday 14th June, 10am –
12.30pm Pentwyn Farm, near Monmouth Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: £6 members, £9 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL The session will consist of a gentle stroll
around the species-rich meadows of Pentwyn Farm looking
at how to identify some of our more common meadow
wildflowers and grasses, as well as some of the less
common plants the site supports. The session is weather
dependent and may be cancelled if inclement weather is
anticipated.
Wildlife Photography Intermediate
Course Part 2
Tutor: Chris Hatch Saturday 16th June, 10am – 2pm
Magor Marsh, near Newport Contact: GWT, 01600 740600
Cost: £12 members, £16 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL
This follow-on course will cover use of light (quality
of light and front, side, back and rim lighting), more
detailed use of histograms, photographing portraits and
habitats, metering (spot, centre weighted, evaluative
and when to use them), use of filters and use of flash.
This will be a practical outdoor session, including
'building' photographic sets, use of hides etc.
Plant Stall at Usk Open Gardens
Weekend
Hosts: GWT Chepstow Local Group Saturday & Sunday
23rd & 24th June, 10am – 5pm Gardeners’ Market on
the field next to the Memorial Hall, Usk Contact: GWT
Chepstow Local Group, 01291 689326
Charcoal Making
Tutor: Jan Kinchington Wednesday 27th June, 10am
– 4pm Croes Robert, near Monmouth Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: £8 members, £12 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL Charcoal has a multitude of uses from firing
that BBQ on a summer’s day to a useful and inspiring
medium for the artist. Historically, it had many other
uses too and it was an important contributor to our own
industrial evolution. This course will teach you all
about charcoal and you will take part in making it.
Activities will include stacking a kiln, controlling a
burn and unloading the finished product. This is always
a popular course, so early booking is advised.
Bat and Moth Walk
Leader: Tom Eyles Wednesday 27th June, 9pm
onwards Silent Valley Nature Reserve, near Ebbw Vale
Contact: ERC, 01495 307525 Cost: £3 members, £6 non
members BOOKING ESSENTIAL Join us on an evening walk
around the nature reserve and learn how to use bat
detectors to identify those we encounter. There will
also be an opportunity to see any moths that our local
experts catch that evening.
July
WING Work Task
Sunday 1st July, 10.30am Meet at the top car park
of the Newport Civic Centre Contact: WING, 01633 263374
Solutia Meadows – assessment of the work done during the
year combined with a flora and Lepidoptera training day
The Changing Scenery of Magor Marsh
– Summer
Tutor: Paul Cawley Sunday 1st July, 2pm – 4.30pm
Magor Marsh, near Newport Contact: GWT, 01600 740600
Cost: £6 members, £9 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL Join
our local conservationist and game keeper, Paul Cawley,
for a highly informative and interesting walk and talk
about the flora and fauna of Magor Marsh. This is one in
a series of talks repeated throughout the year so that
you can see the changes through the seasons.
Goatsuckers Return
Leader: Tom Eyles Tuesday 3rd July, 9.15pm
onwards Beacon Hill Reserve, near Trellech Contact: ERC,
01495 307525 Cost: £3 members, £6 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL Come along on this evening walk to see the
fabulous nightjar, a truly spooky bird that flies only
during the night. There are many weird and wonderful
names for this bird – hence the title of this walk!
Introduction to Dormice
Tutor: Jan Kinchington Saturday 7th July, 10am –
11.30am Croes Robert, near Monmouth Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: £4 members, £7 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL If all wildlife were as cute as dormice, GWT
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 GWT does to conserve them.
GWT Abergavenny Local Group Work
Party
Sunday 8th July, 10am – 12.30pm Strawberry
Cottage Wood Contact: GWT Abergavenny Local Group, 01873
851562 Work involves repairs to paths, surveying, bird
box inspections, etc.
Cleddon Bog
Leader: Dave Green Monday 9th July, 10am – 2pm
Cleddon Bog, near Trellech Contact: GWT, 01600 740600
Cost: £6 members, £9 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL Bogs
are amazing! They support an incredible variety of
plants and animals, many of which, like the
insect-eating sundews and butterworts, have evolved
their own way of coping with the acidic, nutrient-poor
soils that characterise them. Many of the plants and
animals that live here are found nowhere else but these
extreme habitats. This, too, is where peat comes from –
thousands of years of sphagnum moss (and other plants)
living, dying and decomposing to create what we will see
on this excursion. There’s a good chance to see some
reptiles and amphibians, too! Cleddon Bog has been
subject to much recent restoration work and we, as a
result of this, hope to find species which have not been
see here in recent years.
Trapping and Identifying Moths
Tutor: Val Jackson Saturday 14th July, 9.30am –
12.30pm Tidenham Chase, near Chepstow Contact: GWT,
01600 740600 Cost: £4 members, £7 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL Have you wanted to learn more about moths but
are not sure how to start? Val Jackson, a local
lepidopterist, is keen to help you. She will be setting
the moth trap up the night before, and then opening it
during the morning session. There will be books, and
internet access provided, to help you learn how to
identify the moths and you will find it easier than you
might expect. She will also explain the differences
between the various types of traps available and
describe where the equipment can be obtained. Come and
be inspired by our beautiful local moths, and then go
and catch some of your own!
Magor Marsh Open Day
Hosts: Kathy Barclay & Helen John Saturday 21st July,
1pm – 5pm Magor Marsh, near Newport Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: £2 adults (£1 for members or those walking
to the event), £1 children, £5 families Come and
celebrate the home of GWT with pond dipping, bug
hunting, face painting, guided tours, wildlife stalls
and lots, lots more. A fantastic family day out!
Minibeast
Adventures Leader: Tom Eyles Wednesday 25th July,
10.30am – 12.30pm Silent Valley Nature Reserve, near
Ebbw Vale Contact: ERC, 01495 307525 Cost: FREE BOOKING
ESSENTIAL Join the Reserves Officer on an adventure
looking for minibeasts amongst the trees, flowers and
maybe the streams.
Glastir, Grass and Grazing
Leader: Tim Green Wednesday 25th July, 1.30pm –
4pm Pentwyn Farm and Wyeswood Common, near Monmouth
Contact: GWT, 01600 740600 Cost: £4 members, £7 non
members BOOKING ESSENTIAL A guided walk around Wyeswood
Common and Pentwyn Farm looking at how GWT is
implementing the new Glastir agri-environmental scheme,
how GWT is using its flock of sheep to manage some of
its grassland reserves, and the benefits that livestock
ownership are bringing to GWT.
Ditches, Reens, and the Seashore
Leader: Dave Green & Roger James Friday 27th July,
10am – 2pm To Be Confirmed, near Newport Contact: GWT,
01600 740600 Cost: £6 members, £9 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL Many of us tend of overlook Gwent’s coast.
Quite a few people seem to think we don’t have one – but
we do! Coastal features often support their own unique
assemblage of plants and animals and many of these are
unusual and uniquely adapted to where they live. Here’s
an opportunity to visit an environment that few people
really ever look at properly. Dave and Roger have been
exploring these areas for years and there’s no-one
better placed to uncover their mysteries than these two!
Gardening for Wild Bees
Tutor: Marc Carlton Saturday 28th July, 10.30am –
1pm Dingestow Court, near Monmouth Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: £4 members, £7 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL Learn how gardeners can encourage wild
solitary bees and bumblebees in their gardens through
plant choices and the provision of nest sites. This
course will start with a talk about pollinating insects
and plant choices followed by a tour of the walled
gardens to look at the interaction between bees and
flowers. Note that this course will concentrate on wild
bees only, and will not cover honeybees or beekeeping.
August
Moorland and Coal Spoils
Leader: Dave Green & Roger James Wednesday 1st August,
10am – 2pm World Heritage Site, Blaenavon Contact: GWT,
01600 740600 Cost: £6 members, £9 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL In the third of our visits to specialised
habitats, we find ourselves once again in the company of
Dave and Roger, this time in the west of our county. For
many folks, it’s hard to imagine the harsh, exposed
upland areas as prime habitats and even less so the
spoil heaps which characterise so much of the landscape
in the valleys. The reality, though, is that both
moorland and spoils are home to a wide range of wildlife
and for some species, the mineral-rich spoils are the
only place they are found. Come and join Dave and Roger
for an introduction, in their own unique style, to this
World Heritage Site to look at areas of spoil moorland
and old workings that have been rapidly reclaimed by
nature.
Dingestow Court Open Day
Hosts: Helen Bosanquet & GWT Thursday 2nd August,
11am – 4pm Seddon House, Dingestow, near Monmouth
Contact: GWT, 01600 740600 Cost: FREE but donations
welcome Join GWT’s staff and trustees at our annual open
day to visit our headquarters and take in the wonderful
gardens of Dingestow Court, hosted by the owner, Helen
Bosanquet. As usual, there will be plenty to do for all
the family – guided walks, children’s activities,
stalls, tea, coffee, cakes, etc – as well as the chance
to meet the people who work so hard behind the scenes to
keep our reserves in good order for the people and
wildlife of Gwent.
Bird Ringing Demonstration
Tutor: Ian Vaughan Wednesday 8th August, 8am –
12pm Magor Marsh, near Newport Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: £6 members, £9 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL The demonstration will provide an opportunity
for members of the public to see some of Magor Marsh’s
wild birds close up. With luck, this will include one of
Magor’s specialities – the secretive Cetti’s warbler. In
addition, the demonstration will provide an opportunity
to learn about how bird ringing is carried out, and the
ways in which regular ringing at Magor contributes to
vital conservation work, locally, nationally and
internationally.
Woodfest
Thursday 9th August, 1pm – 4pm
Silent Valley
Nature Reserve, near Ebbw Vale Contact: ERC, 01495
307525 Cost: FREE entry but may be small charges for
some activities 2012 sees the return of Woodfest at
Silent Valley Nature Reserve. This event is a
celebration of all things woodland! Try out a variety of
woodcrafts, including pole lathing, woodcarving,
basketry and whittling. Plenty of activities for
children to learn about the woodland and what lives in
it, as well as art workshops and guided trails. Contact
the ERC for more details.
GWT Abergavenny Local Group Work
Party
Sunday 12th August, 10am – 12.30pm Strawberry
Cottage Wood Contact: GWT Abergavenny Local Group, 01873
851562 Work involves repairs to paths, surveying, bird
box inspections, etc.
Green Days
Tuesday to Friday 14th to 17th August, 10.30am –
3.30pm ERC, Ebbw Vale Contact: ERC, 01495 307525 Cost:
FREE entry but there may a small charge for some
activities Learn a new ‘green’ skill each day, including
feltmaking, papermaking, basketry and food growing.
Contact the ERC for a full programme.
Permaculture Gardening
Tutor: Veronika Brannovic Tuesday 21st August,
10.30am – 3pm ERC, Ebbw Vale Contact: ERC, 01495 307525
Cost: £3 members, £6 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL Find
out about how permaculture can help you to grow more in
smaller spaces using fewer resources.
Nature Detectives for the Family
Tutor: Chris Hatch Wednesday 22nd August, 10am –
12pm Pentwyn Farm, near Monmouth Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: £6 members, £9 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL Get out and about with local wildlife expert
and tracker, Chris Hatch, who will take you around
Pentwyn Farm, showing you how to identify tracks, trails
and the signs of wildlife that normally pass us by. This
course will cover a whole range of flora and fauna
species.
September
Surveying for Dormice
Tutor: Jan Kinchington Saturday 1st September,
10am – 1pm Pentwyn Farm and Croes Robert, near Monmouth
Contact: GWT, 01600 740600 Cost: £12 members, £16 non
members BOOKING ESSENTIAL This course is a brief
introduction to dormice 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 for this course from previous years
so early booking is essential.
Return of the Naturalist
Speaker: Steve Williams Thursday 6th September,
6pm – 7.30pm ERC, Ebbw Vale Contact: ERC, 01495 307525
Cost: £3 members, £6 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL Back
by popular demand, Steve returns to give an update on
the wildlife he has encountered during the past year.
An Introduction to Spiders
Tutor: Mike Kilner Saturday 8th September, 11am –
3pm Magor Marsh, near Newport Contact: GWT, 01600 740600
Cost: £6 members, £9 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL This
could be the start of a new found respect for the humble
spiders of Gwent. Come along to get a basic introduction
to the diversity and habits of the spiders. There will
be a chance to get outside for some hunting for
identification and discussion.
Our Wetland Wildlife at Magor Marsh
Leader: Paul Cawley Sunday 9th September, dawn
(exact time TBC) Magor Marsh, near Newport Contact: GWT,
01600 740600 Cost: £6 members, £9 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL Join our local conservationist and game
keeper, Paul Cawley, at our Magor Marsh Reserve to
experience our rich wetland wildlife just as it wakes.
You may catch a glimpse of a kingfisher or Cetti’s
warbler, spot the otters on their journey through the
reserve, and witness the amazing sight of a dragonfly
hatching. Explore and learn all about the wildlife you
can see at this time of year – no previous experience
necessary at this event. This event is part of a series
of Our Wildlife events, held by Wildlife Trusts across
the UK.
GWT Abergavenny Local Group
Work Party Sunday 9th September, 10am – 12.30pm
Strawberry Cottage Wood Contact: GWT Abergavenny Local
Group, 01873 851562 Work involves repairs to paths,
surveying, bird box inspections, etc.
Illustrated Talk
Speaker: TBA Monday 17th September, 7.30pm
Bridges Community Centre, Monmouth Contact: GWT Monmouth
Local Group, 01600 740286
Gwent Wildlife Trust Annual General
Meeting
Wednesday 19th September, 7pm – 9pm Glen-yr-Afon
House Hotel, Usk Contact: GWT, 01600 740600 All welcome,
tea and coffee provided A chance to catch up with
everything that GWT has done this year, to ask questions
and make your own suggestions as to what we should be
doing in the future.
Wildlife Photography Intermediate
Course Part 3
Tutor: Chris Hatch Saturday 22nd September, 10am
– 2pm Magor Marsh, near Newport Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: £12 members, £16 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL This next session will cover macro
photography, the photography of movement, including
flight photography, panning etc, creative photography
(motion blur, abstracts etc), using photography to tell
a story, further use of histograms, and planning your
own assignments. This is a practical outdoor session.
Grow, Make and Show
Saturday 22nd September, 1pm – 4.30pm
ERC, Ebbw
Vale Contact: ERC, 01495 307525 Cost: FREE Join us in
this autumn celebration of food and craft items. Contact
the ERC for a schedule.
October
GWT Blaenau Gwent Local Group
Annual Quiz
Host: GWT Blaenau Gwent Local Group Wednesday 3rd
October, 7.30pm The Royal British Legion Club, Cwm
Contact: GWT Blaenau Gwent Local Group, 01495 308056
Cost: £3 per person A chance to demonstrate your general
knowledge at this popular quiz night held to raise funds
for the wildlife of Gwent and make the most of a free
buffet.
Introduction to Photographing
Wildlife
Tutor: Jeff Smith Saturday 6th October, 10.30am –
3pm ERC, Ebbw Vale Contact: ERC, 01495 307525 Cost: £3
members, £6 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL This course if
for people starting out in wildlife photography and
provides a basic introduction to some of the techniques
and equipment that might be useful.
GWT Abergavenny Local Group Work
Party
Sunday 14th October, 10am – 12.30pm Strawberry
Cottage Wood Contact: GWT Abergavenny Local Group, 01873
851562 Work involves repairs to paths, surveying, bird
box inspections, etc.
Illustrated Talk
Speaker: TBA Monday 15th October, 7.30pm Bridges
Community Centre, Monmouth Contact: GWT Monmouth Local
Group, 01600 740286
Walk on the Wildside – a Trip to
Kenya
Speaker: Wendy Conway Wednesday 17th October,
7.30pm Chepstow Leisure Centre, Chepstow Contact: GWT
Chepstow Local Group, 01291 689326 Cost: Members £1.50,
non-members £2 Tea and coffee available A talk suitable
for all the family covering the wildlife and a little
local culture. Wendy has rubbed shoulders with the
presenters and filmed the animal stars of TV’s Big Cat
Diary.
Beyond the Basics – Intermediate
Wildlife Photography
Tutor: Chris Hatch Saturday 20th October, 10.30am
– 3pm ERC, Ebbw Vale Contact: ERC, 01495 307525 Cost: £3
members, £6 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL This course is
for people who know a little about photographing
wildlife but may want to learn more.
Hedgelaying
Tutor: Kevin Williams Monday 22nd October, 10am –
4.30pm Pentwyn Farm, near Monmouth Contact: GWT, 01600
740600 Cost: £27 members, £37 non members BOOKING
ESSENTIAL A practical introduction to the art of
hedgelaying. Participants will learn how to prepare a
hedge for laying and how to select the right trees for
laying. There will be a brief discussion of the various
styles of hedgelaying and we will be demonstrating how
to use and sharpen the tools provided.
Autumn Fun Day at Magor Marsh
Hosts: Kathy Barclay & Helen John Saturday 27th
October, 1pm – 4pm Magor Marsh, near Newport
Contact: GWT, 01600 740600 Cost: £1 children, adults
FREE A day of family fun to celebrate autumn. Make some
homes for wildlife to help them through the winter
months. Make some autumn-inspired crafts and take a
stroll around the reserve.
Autumn Fun Day at the ERC
Tuesday 30th October, 1pm – 4pm
ERC, Ebbw Vale
Contact: ERC, 01495 307525 Cost: FREE Join us for some
autumnal woodland fun at the ERC. Try out some woodland
and wildlife crafts and games.
November
GWT Abergavenny Local Group Work
Party
Sunday 11th November, 10am – 12.30pm Strawberry
Cottage Wood Contact: GWT Abergavenny Local Group, 01873
851562 Work involves repairs to paths, surveying, bird
box inspections, etc.
The Changing Scenery of Magor Marsh
– Autumn/Winter
Tutor: Paul Cawley Sunday 18th November, 2pm –
4.30pm Magor Marsh,
near Newport Contact: GWT, 01600 740600 Cost: £6
members, £9 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL Join our
local conservationist and game keeper, Paul Cawley, for
a highly informative and interesting walk and talk about
the plants, birds, and animals of Magor Marsh. This is
one in a series of talks repeated throughout the year so
that you can see the changes through the seasons.
Illustrated Talk
Speaker: TBA Monday 19th November, 7.30pm Bridges
Community Centre, Monmouth Contact: GWT Monmouth Local
Group, 01600 740286
Gwent Wildlife Trust – the Present
and the Future
Speaker: Tom Clarke, Chief Executive of GWT Wednesday
21st November, 7.30pm Chepstow Leisure Centre,
Chepstow Contact: GWT Chepstow Local Group, 01291 689326
Cost: Members £1.50, non-members £2 Tea and coffee
available Find out all about GWT’s current aims,
challenges and future direction
December
Investigating Winter Wildlife
Tutor: Chris Hatch Wednesday 5th December, 10am –
12pm Magor Marsh,
near Newport Contact: GWT, 01600 740600 Cost: £6
members, £9 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL Get out and
about with local wildlife expert and tracker, Chris
Hatch, who will take you around Magor Marsh showing you
how to identify tracks, trails and the signs of wildlife
that normally pass us by, particularly in winter. This
course will cover a range of flora and fauna species.
Winter Wonders
Saturday 8th December, 1pm – 4pm
ERC, Ebbw Vale
Contact: ERC, 01495 307525 Cost: FREE Be inspired to
make some of your own decorations and gifts at Winter
Wonders while enjoying a steaming mug of tea and some
mince pies. For the less creative, maybe pick up some
gifts made by local craftspeople.
Carols and Crafts at Magor Marsh
Hosts: Kathy Barclay & Helen John Saturday 8th
December, 2pm – 5pm
Magor Marsh, near
Newport Contact: GWT, 01600 740600 Cost: £1 members,
£1.50 non members BOOKING ESSENTIAL A joint family event
with St Mary’s Church making simple Christmas crafts
from natural materials followed by warming refreshments
and some seasonal singing around the campfire (weather
permitting)!
GWT Abergavenny Local Group Work
Party
Sunday 9th December, 10am – 12.30pm Strawberry
Cottage Wood Contact: GWT Abergavenny Local Group, 01873
851562 Work involves repairs to paths, surveying, bird
box inspections, etc.
Mammals of Gwent
Speaker: Colin Titcombe Wednesday 19th December,
7.30pm Chepstow Leisure Centre, Chepstow Contact: GWT
Chepstow Local Group, 01291 689326 Cost: Members £1.50,
non-members £2 Seasonal refreshments will be served A
welcome return visit from Colin, one of our best known
naturalists in Gwent
WORK TASKS
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.
WING also run reserve work tasks in and around Newport.
For further details, contact Roger James on 01633
215627.
The wardens of Strawberry Cottage Wood are running work
tasks, on the second Sunday morning of every month, at
this site four miles north of Abergavenny. Sessions will
start at 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.
LOCAL GROUP CONTACTS:
Abergavenny Local Group — Keith
White 01873 852036,
keith.white@tesco.net
Blaenau Gwent Local Group — Rodney Morris 01495
308056,
remorris66@mailshack.com
Chepstow Local Group — Hilary Lee 01291 689326,
hilary-lee@tiscali.co.uk
Monmouth Local Group — Alison Willott 01600
740286,
alisonwillott@hotmail.com
Torfaen Local Group — Vicky Hannaford 01495
759139,
v.hannaford@hotmail.co.uk
Usk Local Group — David Gale 01291 673141,
david@gale4241.fsworld.co.uk
Wildlife in Newport Group (WING) — Roger James
01633 263374,
smallranunculus@btinternet.com
FRIENDS OF SILENT VALLEY
This group also runs occasional work
days at the local Nature Reserve. For further details,
please contact the Trust Office on 01600 740600
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