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Youth-led Museum Placement Opportunities

Ydych chi rhwng 18 a 25 oed?

Rydym yn edrych am bobl frwdfrydig i’n helpu i wella’r ffordd yr ydym yn cynnwys pobl ifanc wrth lunio amgueddfeydd yn Sir Fynwy.

Fel rhan o gynllun Gaeaf llawn Lles Llywodraeth Cymru, rhaglen o ddigwyddiadau a gweithgareddau a gaiff eu harwain gan bobl ifanc ar gyfer pobl ifanc, rydym yn edrych am ddau person 18-25 oed ar gyfer prosiect cyfnod cyfyngedig i gyfrannu at wella’r ffordd yr ydym yn cynnwys pobl ifanc wrth lunio amgueddfeydd yn Sir Fynwy.

Bydd y lleoliadau hyn yn cael eu talu, ar gyfradd o (£100/diwrnod), a gyllidir yn uniongyrchol gan Ffederasiwn Amgueddfeydd ac Orielau Cymru (nid Cyngor Sir Fynwy). Cynhelir y lleoliadau hyn rhwng 9 a 31 Mawrth 2022.

Rhagwelwn y bydd pob lleoliad yn 9 diwrnod i gyd, wedi’u lledaenu dros y cyfnod hwn (er y byddem yn ystyried llai o ddyddiau os na all ymgeiswyr gyflawni i’r 9 diwrnod llawn). Bydd y lleoliadau yn gweithio’n agos gyda Gwneuthurydd Rhaglen Gaeaf llawn Lles o Ffederasiwn Amgueddfeydd yng Nghymru, fydd yn cydlynu’r prosiect gyda chefnogaeth gan amgueddfeydd Sir Fynwy.

Beth fyddaf yn ei wneud?

Bydd y rôl yn cynnwys gweithio gyda’r tîm i:

  • Ymgynghori gyda phobl ifanc, yn defnyddio dulliau fel gweithdai a thrafodaethau wyneb i wyneb
  • Casglu sylwadau a barn pobl ifanc yn Sir Fynwy am y ffyrdd gorau i ymgynghori gyda nhw
  • Casglu’r canfyddiadau i adroddiad fydd yn sail i gyflenwi rhaglenni amgueddfeydd yn Sir Fynwy a sut y byddwn yn ymgysylltu â phobl ifanc a’u cynnwys yn y broses yn y dyfodol
  • Ymweliadau safle posibl i adolygu cynnig presennol amgueddfeydd ar gyfer pobl ifanc.

Bydd y lleoliadau yn gyfle rhagorol i gael profiad uniongyrchol gyda MonLife Treftadaeth, Ffederasiwn Amgueddfeydd yng Nghymru ac Amgueddfa Cymru a datblygu sgiliau a phrofiad mewn ymgynghori gyda phobl ifanc.

Mae hyn yn ddechrau ymdrech tymor hirach i ddatblygu a gwella’r gwasanaeth amgueddfeydd ar gyfer pobl ifanc. Gobeithiwn y bydd y prosiect yn gosod sylfeini ar gyfer sefydlu Panel Ieuenctid, i fwydo’r ffordd yr ydym yn datblygu ac yn darparu ein gwasanaethau ar draws yr amgueddfeydd yn Sir Fynwy.

Manyleb Person

Rydym yn edrych am unigolion gyda’r sgiliau, profiad a diddordebau dilynol.

  • Diddordeb mewn gwella mynediad a gwasanaethau cynhwysol ar gyfer pobl ifanc (hanfodol)
  • Sgiliau cyfathrebu ysgrifenedig a llafar da – gallu addasu cynnwys ar gyfer gwahanol oedrannau (hanfodol)
  • Trefnus, gyda’r gallu i reoli eich llwyth gwaith a’ch amser eich hunan (hanfodol)
  • Cyfeillgar, agos atoch ac yn dangos cydymdeimlad (hanfodol)
  • Diddordeb mewn clywed a chynrychioli amrywiaeth o leisiau a barn pobl ifanc (hanfodol)
  • Profiad o weithio fel rhan o dîm bach (dymunol)
  • Diddordeb mewn dulliau newydd a chreadigol i ennyn diddordeb pobl ifanc, yn cynnwys defnyddio technoleg a chyfryngau cymdeithasol (dymunol)
  • Profiad o hwyluso trafodaethau neu weithdai (wyneb i wyneb ac ar-lein) (dymunol)
  • Profiad o weithio gyda phobl ifanc a grwpiau ieuenctid (11-25 oed) (dymunol)
  • Profiad mewn gwerthuso, ymchwil gymdeithasol neu ymgynghori (dymunol)
  • Diddordeb yn y sector treftadaeth (dymunol)

Mae’r cyfle ar gael i unrhyw un rhwng 18 a 25 oed. Fodd bynnag, mae gennym ddiddordeb neilltuol mewn clywed gan ymgeiswyr nad ydynt mewn cyflogaeth lawn-amser ar hyn o bryd ac sy’n dymuno ymchwilio gwahanol lwybrau gyrfa.

Sut i wneud cais

Anfonwch eich CV (gydag enw dau ganolwr) atom ynghyd â datganiad diddordeb, dim mwy na 500 gair, ar sut ydych yn ateb prif gyfrifoldebau a disgwyliadau’r proffil rôl yma erbyn diwedd dydd Llun 7 Mawrth at rachaelrogers@monmouthshire.gov.uk .   Byddwn yn penodi i’r swydd cyn gynted ag sy’n bosibl ar ôl y dyddiad hwn a bydd cyfarfod cyflwyno yn ystod wythnos y 7 Mawrth

DS: Rhagwelwn y bydd 9 diwrnod o waith fesul person sy’n rhaid ei wneud rhwng 7 a 31 Mawrth. Mae rhai dyddiau penodol o weithio o fewn y cyfnod hwn, sef:

Dydd Mercher 9 Mawrth – dydd Gwener 11 Mawrth (cynhwysol) – dim dyddiau llawn

Gyda’r nos yn ystod yr wythnos yn cychwyn 14 Mawrth – I’w gadarnhau

Dydd Gwener 25 Mawrth

Dydd Mercher 30 NEU dydd Iau 31 Mawrth – i’w gadarnhau

Gadewch i ni wybod yn eich cais os gwelwch yn dda os nad ydych ar gael ar rai o’r dyddiadau hyn, neu os na allwch ymrwymo i’r 9 diwrnod llawn.

Gaeaf llawn Lles

Caiff y lleoliadau hyn eu hariannu drwy raglen Gaeaf llawn Lles Llywodraeth Cymru, cynllun ar draws Cymru i helpu plant a phobl ifanc i gael adferiad o’r pandemig a mynd i’r gwanwyn yn teimlo’n well, wedi cysylltu’n well gydag eraill ac yn barod am ddechrau newydd.

Dylid nodi nad yw Cyngor Sir Fynwy yn rhoi taliad am leoliadau. Fodd bynnag bydd yr ymgeisydd llwyddiannus yn gymwys i dderbyn taliad dan y rhaglen Gaeaf llawn Lles. Bydd hyn yn gytundeb rhwng y lleoliadau a Ffederasiwn Amgueddfeydd ac Orielau Cymru a chaiff unrhyw geisiadau ariannol eu gwneud ar ôl cwblhau’r gwaith rhwng y ddau barti ac NID Cyngor Sir Fynwy.

Cadwch lygad am weithgareddau Gaeaf llawn Lles eraill ledled Cymru a chael y diweddaraf am yr hyn sy’n digwydd drwy Instagram (@bloedd_ac), Twitter (@AmgueddfaCymru), TikTok (amgueddfacymru) a Facebook (@amgueddfacymru). #winterofwellbeing #gaeafllawnlles

Are you 18 to 25 years old?

We are looking for enthusiastic people to help us improve the way we involve young people in shaping museums in Monmouthshire. 

As part of the Welsh Governments Winter of Wellbeing, a programme of youth-led events and activities for young people, we are looking for two 18 – 25 year olds for a limited time project to contribute to improving the way we involve young people in shaping museums in Monmouthshire.

These placements are paid, at a rate of (£100/day), funded directly by the Federation of Museums and Galleries of Wales (Not Monmouthshire County Council). They will take place between 9th and 31st March 2022.

We anticipate each placement being 9 days in total, spread over this period (though we will consider fewer days if applicants are unable to commit to the full 9 days). The placements will be working closely with a Winter of Wellbeing Programme Maker from the Federation of Museum in Wales, who will co-ordinate the project with support from Monmouthshire museums.

What will I be doing?

The role will involve working with the team to:

  • Consult with young people, using methods such as workshops and face to face discussions
  • Collect the thoughts and opinions of young people in Monmouthshire about the best ways to consult with them.
  • Compile the findings into a report which will inform future delivery of museum programmes in Monmouthshire and how we engage and include young people in the process.
  • Possible site visits to review Museum’s current offer for young people

The placements will be an excellent opportunity to gain experience directly with MonLife Heritage, The Federation of Museums in Wales and Amgueddfa Cymru- National Museums of Wales and develop skills and experience in youth consultation.

This is the start of a longer-term effort to develop and improve the museum service for young people.  We hope that the project will lay the groundwork for establishing a Youth Panel, to feed into the way we develop and deliver our service across the museums in Monmouthshire.

Person Specification

We are looking for individuals with the following, skills, experience, and interests.

  • An interest in improving access and inclusivity of services for young people (essential)
  • Good written and spoken communication skills- able to adapt content for different ages (essential)
  • Organised, with the ability to manage your own workload and time (essential)
  • Friendly, approachable, and empathetic (essential)
  • An interest in hearing and representing a diversity of voices and opinions of young people (essential)
  • Experience working as part of a small team (desirable)
  • An interest in new and creative approaches to engaging with young people, including use of tech and social media (desirable)
  • Experience facilitating discussions or workshops (face to face and online) (desirable)
  • Experience working with young people and youth groups (11-25) (desirable)
  • Experience in evaluation, social research or consultation (desirable)
  • An interest in the heritage sector (desirable)

This opportunity is open to anyone aged between 18 and 25 years.  However, we are particularly interested to hear from applicants who are not currently in full time paid employment and wish to explore different career paths.

How to apply

Please send us your CV (with names of two referees) and an expression of interest, maximum 500 words, on how you meet the main responsibilities and expectations of the role profile by end of Monday 7th March to rachaelrogers@monmouthshire.gov.uk .  We will appoint the roles as soon as possible after this date and there will be an introductory meeting during the week of  7th March.

NB: We anticipate there will be 9 days work per person which must be carried out between 7th and 31st March.  Within this period there are some fixed days of working, they are:

Wednesday 9th March – Friday 11th March (inclusive) – not full days

Some evenings during w/c 14th March – TBC

Friday 25th March

Wednesday 30th OR Thursday 31st March – TBC

If you are not available on some of these days, or not able to commit to the full 9 days, please let us know in your application. 

Winter of Wellbeing

These placements are funded through the Welsh Government’s Winter of Wellbeing programme, a cross-Wales bid to help children and young people recover from the pandemic and head into spring feeling better, more connected to others and ready for a new start.

Please note that Monmouthshire County Council does not provide payment for placements.  However the successful applicants are eligible to receive payment under the Winter of Wellbeing Programme.  This will be an agreement between the placements and the Federation of Museums and Galleries of Wales and any financial claims will be made on completion of the work between the two parties NOT Monmouthshire County Council.

Look out for other Winter of Wellbeing activities across Wales and stay up to date with the latest goings on via Instagram (@bloedd_ac), Twitter (@AmgueddfaCymru), TikTok (amgueddfacymru) and Facebook (@amgueddfacymru). #winterofwellbeing #gaeafllawnlles

STORM EUNICE – CLOSURES

MonLife Active

Our MonLife Active Leisure Centres will be closed on Friday 18th February due to #StormEunice.

We will update you tomorrow on our social media channels with regards to Saturday re-opening times.

Don’t forget that all MonLife Members can continue to train with your favourite instructors using the MonLife LIVE & ON DEMAND app. The app allows you to access exciting virtual live groups and your own personalised fitness experience from home. If you haven’t already done so you can Download it here: https://mywellness.page.link/QD4pCMXo31fvwujw5

The safety of our staff as well as our customers are our main priority, and we urge you to please stay at home and keep safe.

MonLife Heritage

Our MonLife Heritage Sites and grounds will be closed on Friday 18th February due to #StormEunice. This includes:

  • Caldicot Castle and Country Park
  • Old Station Tintern
  • Shire Hall
  • Abergavenny Museum and Castle
  • Chepstow Tourism Information Centre however, they are available by telephone, 01291 623722.

We will update you tomorrow on our social media channels with regards to Saturday re-opening times.

The safety of our staff as well as our visitors are our main priority, and we urge you to please stay at home and keep safe.

After the storm has passed and you are visiting our sites please watch out for debris and hanging branches.

MonLife Countryside

We advise avoiding using countryside sites and the rights of way network due to #StormEunice.

The safety of our visitors is our main priority, and we urge you to please stay at home and keep safe.

After the storm has passed, please watch out for debris and fallen branches.

MonLife Connect

Our MonLife Connect youth centres will be closed on Friday 18th February due to #StormEunice. This includes:

  • The Zone Youth Centre
  • Caldicot Positive Futures
  • Thornwell Pavilion

The safety of our staff as well as our young people are our main priority, and we urge you to please stay at home and keep safe.

MonLife activities lined up for a fun February half term

Monmouthshire’s leisure provider MonLife is gearing up for the exciting February half term, with plenty on offer to keep children and young people active and entertained over the school holidays.  The activities wil kick off on Monday 21st February and run  until Friday 25th. A full list of what’s on offer can be found on the website at www.monlifeholildayactivities.co.uk and there is something for everyone.

As part of the Winter of Wellbeing funding from Welsh Government, MonLife Learning will be carrying out a number of different sessions across Monmouthshire including making a ‘mindful mosaic’, creating a wellbeing jar as well as mindful colouring inspired by the museum’s collections. MonLife will also be staging a wide range of play events for local communities, for children and families to come along to. These events are free to attend, so to register you interest via the website. Please note that parental supervision is required for children under the age of 11.

The Monmouthshire Games will also be taking place and are aimed at children between the ages of 5 and 11 and offers activities to suit a range of different interests and hobbies. The sessions run from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. All activities will be delivered in accordance with National Governing Body guidelines for each sport and will be COVID-19 compliant. The Monmouthshire Games are available to all young people in Monmouthshire, including any children of families visiting Monmouthshire on holiday. Each site has 50 spaces available per day and parents are being encouraged to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Social Justice, Councillor Lisa Dymock said: “The MonLife holiday activities are so important to our children and young people, and are designed to promote wellbeing as well as mental and physical health. After nearly 18 months of having lockdowns and restrictions, our younger generations have missed out on people able to have fun, socialise and be active. Spaces fill up very quick so I would encourage parents to sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

Oh boy! Rare vintage Mickey Mouse toy saved from rubbish

A vintage and rare Mickey Mouse toy will proudly be put on display after being saved from the rubbish tip thanks to eagle-eyed colleagues from Monmouthshire County Council’s waste and recycling contractors, Suez. The extraordinary cuddly toy, which is thought to date back to the 1930s, was discovered in a container destined for the tip. After unearthing the old toy, staff contacted MonLife’s Museum’s team about their special find.

Intensive research found the Mickey Mouse was originally made at one of UK’s oldest teddy bear manufacturers, the Deans toy factory in Pontypool. The business, which dated back as far as the 1700s, was the first manufacturer to make the Disney character in the UK in the 1930s but sadly fell into administration in 2005. An almost identical example of the toy – the earliest version of Mickey, as he appeared in his debut 1928 film ‘Steamboat Willie’ – is held within the collections of the V&A Museum in London.

After discovering the historical importance of the toy, Rachael Rogers, curator of Abergavenny Museum suggested that Mickey’s forever home might best be Pontypool Museum, which is less than a mile from the old Dean’s factory where it was made all those years ago.

Speaking about the extraordinary find, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Jane Pratt said: “I think it’s wonderful that Mickey has, after his very long life, been saved from the rubbish! I am so pleased that he is being donated to Pontypool Museum near to where he was made at Deans Rag Book Company. I hope that the publicity he creates will encourage people to think carefully before they throw things away. I am delighted that he will be viewed by generations to come in his new home.”

Cllr Pratt added: “Our Reuse shops at Llanfoist and Five Lanes have gone from strength to strength, with fantastic support from the staff at these recycling centres who spot lovely things, as well as the dedicated team of enthusiastic volunteers. It is not every day you find something as special as Mickey, but you would be amazed at what great things get saved that would have simply been thrown away.”

Upon receiving the donation, Pontypool Museum Curator, Caitlin Gingell said: “The curatorial staff are very pleased to be acquiring Mickey into the collections at Torfaen Museum. Dean’s toy factory, where Mickey was made, has been an important strand of Pontypool’s history and it is lovely to be bringing him back to his hometown. We hope that Mickey can go to a professional conservator in the near future, to be cleaned and structurally supported before going on display as part of a small exhibition about the toy manufacturer.”

Bargain hunters and antique enthusiasts alike will be able to head to Monmouthshire County Council’s Llanfoist and Five Lanes Reuse shops from mid-March.  Buying reused items is a great way to help the environment and reduce waste. All profits from the reuse sites go to tree planting in Monmouthshire to help in the fight against climate change. People can visit the reuse sites at the following locations:

  • Llanfoist Reuse shop – Llanfoist, NP7 9AQ, reopening every Tuesday 10am – 3pm from 15th March
  • Five Lanes Reuse Shop – Caerwent, NP26 5PD reopening every Wednesday 10am – 3pm from 16th March

COVID Announcement

Following on from the recent announcement from Welsh Government on the easing of covid restrictions, we’d like to update you on how this applies when you visit our MonLife venues.

From Monday 28th February 2022

  • Adults and children aged 11 and over will no longer be required to wear face coverings in our MonLife venues.
  • If you have covid symptoms do not enter our facilities – get tested and follow current self-isolation advice.
  • We will continue to take reasonable measures to keep staff and visitors safe during their time in our venues including ventilating areas; completing bespoke risk assessments; maintaining good hygiene at the premises.
  • Please respect those who continue to wear face coverings – everyone’s safety is important to us.

Once again, we thank you for your continued support. For further important updates, offers and news why not download the MonLife App.

Abergavenny Swimming pool update

Exciting news, Abergavenny pool is back in action!

We’re delighted to announce that Abergavenny Leisure Centre Swimming Pool will re-open today (23rd March).

You no longer need to prebook swimming session, simply come along at your chosen lane swim or public swim time and enjoy!

Additionally, our Aqua Aerobics fitness class will be returning from Tuesday the 29th to help keep you active in a low impact environment. This can be booked online or via the MonLife App.

For our full pool and fitness class timetable visit our website HERE, or via the MonLife App.

Our Learn to Swim programme will also recommence from Monday 4th April, all swimmers on the programme will receive an email from our Aquatics Team shortly with more information.

If your child is attending The Monmouthshire Games this Spring half-term, please ensure they bring their swimming kits with them to enjoy this activity. Not signed up yet? You can register your child’s place here – The Monmouthshire Games – Monlife

Once again we’d like to thank you for your patience and understanding whilst all necessary works were undertaken, and we look forward to seeing you back in the pool.

MonLife Active Team

Thank you

Monmouthshire woman who spent three weeks in coma praises MonLife referral scheme for helping change her life

65-year-old Sheila Viner was referred to the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) at Chepstow Leisure after being admitted into intensive care and spending over 11 weeks in hospital in 2020. The NERS, which operates across all 22 local authorities, is an evidenced based health intervention programme that incorporates physical activity and behavioural change to support people improve their health and wellbeing.

Sheila joined the MonLife scheme at Chepstow Leisure Centre following the advice from her physiotherapist. Talking about the programme, Sheila says she’s not only seen a benefit to her physical health but it’s also helped build her confidence.

“I was contacted by Claire who organises the classes, we had a friendly chat about my health issues, how exercise can help me with my personal health and what I would like to achieve to improve my day-to-day life. The exercises were for all different levels of health and fitness and fun to do. 

“The classes have helped me enormously. I have gained strength in my arms and legs and my mobility has improved greatly. I can now walk without my stick most of the time and I can stand to cook my meals and cakes. I am able to go shopping on my own as my confidence has improved greatly.” 

Between 2019 and 2020, the MonLife referral scheme received over 1200 referrals, with 70% of all referrals coming via the NERs generic pathway. Of all the referrals, 99% of people were able to increase their activity resulting in 59% experiencing lowered blood pressure, 61% increasing their fitness and 46% lowering their BMI. 

Face-to-face classes were halted during the pandemic but resumed in September 2021 at Chepstow, Caldicot, Monmouth, with Abergavenny starting back on the 10thJanuary. 

For Sheila the return to the classes has also meant the opportunity to meet new people. She added: “I have gained so much from these classes, my health and fitness has improved so much over the past few weeks and this has helped my day-to-day living. I have also met so many lovely like-minded people and I look forward to my classes every week.”

Cabinet member with responsibility for MonLife, Councillor Lisa Dymock said: “We never truly understand how much of an impact schemes like the exercise referral scheme can make until we hear stories like Sheila’s. For many others in her situation, doing any sort of physical activity following a serious health condition can be daunting and overwhelming. This initiative is designed to support people through that challenging time and ultimately help them on their journey to recovery. Like Sheila, this scheme not only aids physical recovery but has an huge impact on mental health and confidence. If like Sheila, you have experienced a life-changing health condition or injury, please come and talk to our advisors or your doctors to access this brilliant service.” 

People referred to the scheme get access to their respective leisure centre’s fitness suite and swimming pool, access to all NERS/Fit4Life classes, 4,16 and 52 week progress consultations and a free kit bag. The scheme costs £16 per month and can be accessed by contacting MonLife’s Exercise Referral Coordinator on 01633 644800 or by referred by a GP / practice nurse; physiotherapist or dietician.

Abergavenny’s £1.7m refurbished leisure centre now open to members

Following its £1.7m refurbishment, Abergavenny leisure centre has opened its doors to the public, revealing a host of new equipment and modern leisure facilities.

The refurbishment of Abergavenny Leisure Centre, which opened on the 4th January 2022, has created a wellness hub over the first floor to create modern leisure facilities for the local community, helping to increase participation in regular physical activity.

The new facilities include:

  • Extended Fitness Suite
  • Dedicated Group Exercise Studio
  • Spin Studio
  • New Fitness Changing Facilities
  • Ground Floor Coffee Vending Offer

Members are advised that due to unforeseen circumstances, the swimming pool at Abergavenny Leisure Centre will be closed during the month of January. Investigatory works are being carried out and updates will be available through MonLife’s website and social media channels soon.

This development follows the successful completion of the project at Monmouth leisure centre, which was completed in 2019. Elected members of Monmouthshire County Council have stated how committed they are to investing in and developing Leisure facilities across our county to support the health and wellbeing of our citizens. The continued investment into Monmouthshire’s leisure facilities will have a significant impact on wellbeing for not only now, but also for future generations.

Councillor Lisa Dymock, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Social Justice, said: “It is extremely fulfilling to see the doors open on this exciting project. We are committed to investing in and developing leisure facilities across our county, which has such a positive effect for not only our current residents, but future generations too. Seeing the incredible facilities shows just how hard MonLife have worked. Thank you to everyone for your continued hard work, being a fantastic way to start 2022.”

To celebrate its opening, MonLife Active are offering a membership deal, where members could get a 12-month membership for the price of 9, where more information can be found here: Be Extraordinary – Monlife

Gwent gets ready for Nature Isn’t Neat 2022

Following successful grassland management pilots to improve biodiversity across the Gwent local authorities, this year the Nature Isn’t Neat approach to management is being coordinated to cover wider areas across Gwent, with the mission of making it ‘pollinator friendly’ by allowing more wildflowers to grow in our green spaces.

The project which is to be delivered as part of the Gwent Green Grid Partnership, will engage with local communities across South-East Wales, raising awareness of pollinator decline and encouraging community ownership and empowerment to deliver actions that will help them recover. 

Nature Isn’t Neat will establish a joined-up approach to the management of green spaces, also known as Green Infrastructure (GI), to create wildflower-rich pollinator habitats across 5 local authority areas (Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen) An operative’s Code of Action and training programme will be delivered, supporting effective pollinator management within the region.

The project will also contribute to the development of Pollinator Policies for local authorities and other relevant organisations to secure wide scale land enhancement for pollinators, creating resilient ecological networks. 

Activities and events are planned for 2022 to promote wildflower and pollinator management, so look out for further updates on the website(www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/nature-isnt-neat/) or follow on Twitter @Natureisntneat and @Gwentgreengrid for all the latest news.

Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet member for Climate Emergency, Cllr. Jane Pratt said: “This new year we are delighted to be able to build upon the progress made within each of the local authorities to enhance grassland biodiversity, including Nature Isn’t Neat across Monmouthshire. Pollinators are a vital part of ecosystems; most plants need pollen from another flower to complete their lifecycle and produce fruits and seeds.

Bees, butterflies and many more insects perform this free service, pollinating 88% of wild plants and 75% of global crop species. However, pollinators are in trouble. Since the 1980s, half of all pollinator species have become less widespread, and populations of bees and hoverflies have declined by 30%. While progress has been made, thanks to changes such as our selective mowing policy, there’s still work to be done and this year offers many fantastic opportunities to make a difference.”

Gwent has many species of pollinators which are at risk, including the nationally rare Shrill Carder Bee, which has one of its strongholds on the Gwent Levels.

Changes to help keep flowering species alive for longer, not only provide food and habitats for the pollinators and other species, but also increases water absorption, provides Carbon sequestration, and improves the health of the soil. Research suggests that creating environments which support a wider range of wildlife, benefits people’s health and mental wellbeing, while encouraging them to slow down and enjoy watching flowers, insects and other wildlife.  

Councillor Lisa Dymock, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for Green Infrastructure said: “We are excited about the coordination of the Nature isn’t Neat approach through the Gwent Green Grid Partnership, as this strategy is crucial in response to the decline in biodiversity and challenges of climate change. Using the Nature isn’t Neat approach, the project aims to improve prospects for wildlife, providing crucial stepping stones for species to move between good habitat areas at a regional level.”

This project is part of a series of programmes to be delivered under the Gwent Green Grid Partnership Project, which is supported by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe Investing in Rural Areas and is funded by the Welsh Government’s Enabling of Natural Resources and Well-being Grant.

Find out more about the Gwent Green Grid at: www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/green-infrastructure/green-infrastructure-partnerships-projects/gwent-green-grid-partnership/

  • Jane Pratt
  • Lisa Dymock

Residents invited to share views on new walking and cycling route proposals in Monmouthshire

Residents are being invited to have their say on proposals for improvements to the local walking and cycling network between Caldicot, Portskewett and Caerwent/Crick. Monmouthshire County Council is currently working with Sustrans Cymru to make local active travel – a term used for journeys with a purpose – in the area accessible, more enjoyable and safer for the whole community, encouraging more journeys to be taken on foot or bicycle instead of by car.

Two new traffic-free routes are being designed: one through Caldicot Castle Grounds and another along the old disused railway line from Portskewett to Caerwent and Crick, focussing on Phase 1 between the castle grounds and the Severn Bridge Industrial Estate.

Sustrans, on behalf of the council, is now seeking ideas and feedback from the people that live, work and travel in the area who could benefit from the proposals, on what they would like to see along the new routes in the future. Ideas might include places to stop and sit, places to play, artwork, local information, items that add local distinctiveness, planting etc. All ideas will be considered and the information given will help inform the next steps of the project.

Residents can share their ideas and feedback by visiting the project website hosted by Sustrans: www.sustrans.info/CaldicotLinks The survey will be available online for four weeks until 20th February 2022. Paper versions can be obtained by contacting Sustrans Cymru by phoning their office on 029 2065 0602, emailing: caldicot@sustrans.org or writing to them at Sustrans Cymru, 123 Bute Street, CF10 5AE.