arrival information

the piggery at humble by nature check in Check-in time is from 4:00pm on day of arrival. Please email us at [email protected] to let us know your estimated time of arrival. The keys will be in the key safe adjacent to the door. You will receive the code for the key safe in your arrival email sent shortly before your stay. on arrival When you arrive at the farm drive straight in and continue to the bottom of the driveway - past the long stone barn – heading towards the green farmhouse. The Piggery is situated on the right hand side of the green farmhouse, the parking area is to the right of the house by the wooden fence. departure Departure is by 10.00am prompt. Please leave the property as you found it: clean and tidy. Should any breakages or accidental damage occur during your stay, please let one of the team know. contacts The office is normally open during office hours in the week. The office contact details are: 01600 714595 or [email protected]. If we’re out and about around the farm you will get the answerphone, please do leave a message with your name and best number to call you back on. For general queries before your stay please contact the office.

If you get stuck or lost on your way to the farm outside office hours, our farmers Tim and Sarah Stephens live on the farm and are contactable at: Tim: 07875 380575 (WhatsApp or text work best) Or Rachael, who works for Humble by Nature: 07941309958 directions We are at Upper Meend Farm, Penallt, , NP25 4RP.

The postcode will take you almost directly to the farm. When you get within about 1/2 mile of the destination, look for the lane sign posted 'The Craig/No Through Road'. We have a green Humble by Nature sign above the hedge at the end of this lane. The farm is the first entrance on the left (and the only farm).

Do not go down the lane marked ‘Penallt Old Church’, our lane is on the same side of the road, a couple of hundred metres away in the opposite direction of the village.

If you are coming over either of the Severn bridges please check Highways England or Twitter for the status of the M4 and M48 bridges and any closures.

The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected] the piggery

In The Piggery you will find: • Complementary cider and eggs. • A well equipped kitchen with a washing machine and dishwasher. • Limited supplies of tea, coffee and sugar, you may wish to bring more. • Salt & pepper and olive oil. • Hand soap in the kitchen and bathroom. • The beds will be made up for you. • A high chair for smaller visitors. A travel cot can be supplied on request, you will need to bring all bedding for it. • Cleaning cloths and cleaning products, should you wish to clean during your stay.

You will need to bring: • A hair dryer - if required.

Bringing your dog If you are planning to bring your dog, you must let us know before your stay as there is a supplementary charge. Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome at The Piggery, although they are not allowed upstairs or on the furniture. The garden is well fenced but may not be completely secure. When walking your dog around the farm please ensure it is kept on a lead at all times. Our farmers Tim and Sarah will be able to tell you which fields are stock free and therefore suitable for walking your dog.

Please note that there are several farm dogs living here.

the pig & apple The Pig & Apple is open on the farm, serving eat-in and takeaways from Thursday to Saturday afternoon/ evenings. They are very popular and booking is recommended. Email [email protected] to confirm your order. pj s catering Don’t feel like cooking? PJ’s Catering provide delicious, home-cooked meals. Penny provides the delicious food on our courses and this is her home catering service. She is able to cater for most allergies and intolerances/ special requirements, just ask. Menu at: http://pennyjohnstone.co.uk shopping on the way The nearest shops are in Monmouth, there's a Waitrose, M&S and a Budgens. Online shopping is delivered to the area from Sainsbury’s, Tesco or Waitrose. visitor book You’ll find local tips, including take-away food and places to visit in the visitor book.

A regularly updated list of local places to visit in the Wye Valley & Forest of Dean can be f ound here: https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk

The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected] welcome to the piggery!

visitor book

We hope that you have a fantastic time while you’re here and that this book will answer any questions you may have about your stay.

You are on a working farm with 200 breeding ewes, 20 cattle, assorted farm dogs as well as various breeds of pigs, sheep, goats, geese, chickens, ducks and donkeys!

Farm vehicles, including tractors and quads will be moving around the fields and farmyard so please take extra care when walking around the farm grounds. The terrain is uneven and open toed shoes are not suitable.

Please follow the Countryside Code:

• Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors

• Leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths

• Leave no trace of your visit and take litter home

• dogs under control

• Follow local signs

Please be especially careful during lambing season, February-April. If you or your partner are pregnant, or think you might be, stay away from pregnant ewes and do not go in any lambing sheds. If in doubt, ask Farmer Tim!

Our Story

Humble by Nature’s home is here on this working farm in the beautiful Wye Valley. For at least four generations it was owned by the local council and tenanted to young farming families who had no farm of their own. In 2010, when the last tenants retired and handed in their notice, the council decided to sell the farm, broken up into lots.

We felt it was too important an asset to the area, to farming and to the community to allow it to be sold in that way. We persuaded the council to allow us to take it on, keep it tenanted and run a business that in turn would support other rural businesses. The farm is now home to Tim and Sarah Stephens, who breed Welsh Mountain sheep and cattle, and a thriving rural skills centre – Humble by Nature.

The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected] Contact Details

Farmers Tim & Sarah Stephens The Farm House, Upper Meend Farm, Lydart, Monmouth NP25 4RP Tim (mobile): 07875 380575 Sarah (mobile): 07815 095783 Home: 01600 716006

Tim & Sarah live in the farm house on the other side of The Piggery & are the first people to contact in an emergency. They have spare keys to The Piggery and will be able to help in most situations. IF IN DOUBT, ASK FARMER TIM. Please note that mobile reception is not great locally so a text or WhatsApp is often more effective than a phone call to either Tim or Sarah’s mobile.

Humble by Nature On weekdays, try the Humble By Nature farm office on the farmyard, turn left as you exit the Piggery side gate and walk straight on past the stone barn and our edible garden. As the farmyard opens up, the office is the building on the end on the right. 01600 714595 [email protected] Or Rachael Geddes - 07941 309958

Rachael works for Humble by Nature, lives locally and will be able to help in most situations.

Spare keys to The Piggery

Spare keys are held by Tim & Sarah Stephens in the farmhouse (next door to The Piggery), and by the office team.

Wi-fi

Network: Humble by Nature Guest Wifi Password: F4rmerHbN

Departure

Departure is by 10.00am prompt. Please help us by leaving the cottage clean and tidy before departure.

The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected] Staying on the farm and corona virus

Please check-in using the NHS QR code in the visitor book on arrival.

If you have, or suspect you have Coronavirus or Coronavirus symptoms, or if you have come into contact with an infectious person within 14 days of your stay, you must not continue with your stay on the farm.

If you develop symptoms while on the farm, you must isolate yourself in the cottage and inform the farm team immediately: text or whatsapp Rachael on 07941309958 or Tim on 07875380575. UK Hospitality advice states that if you can safely return home then you should do so, and then self-isolate for 14 days.

Cleaning the piggery

We have achieved the ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard, which shows we’ve got processes in place to maintain cleanliness and social distancing so our guests can relax and stay with confidence.

Additional measures we are taking: • We will be deep cleaning the cottage between each set of guests, including the use of a steam cleaner and cleaning products which conform to EN 14476 standards. • We are providing new tea, coffee and sugar and will replace the salt and pepper grinders and olive oil at changeover. • We are changing all pillows and duvets at changeover. • We are changing all cushions and throws at changeover. • We are providing a box containing: the visitor’s book, a selection of books, games and maps. This box will be taken out of circulation and quarantined at every changeover and replaced with another.

Please help us by leaving the cottage clean and tidy when you leave.

• Please empty the fridge and wipe the kitchen surfaces using the cleaning products (under the kitchen sink). • Place all books, maps & games into the plastic box provided so that we can quarantine them and take them out of circulation before our next guests arrive.

We have provided bathroom and kitchen cleaning products (stored under the sinks), should you wish to clean during your stay. There is a vacuum cleaner in the cupboard under the stairs.

The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected] What To Do In An Emergency

Alert Tim & Sarah Stephens in the main farmhouse (next to The Piggery). Tim (mobile): 07875 380575 Sarah (mobile): 07815 095783 Home: 01600 716006 Farm office: 01600 714595

If in doubt, call 999 and ask for the relevant emergency service. Your location is:

The Piggery, Upper Meend Farm Lydart (on the road to Penallt, marked ‘The Craig/No Through Road’) Monmouth NP25 4RP Map Reference: SO 508089

Fire There is a small fire extinguisher and fire blanket on the back of the pantry door. Please take care if attempting to fight a small fire.

If in any doubt, do not attempt to fight fires but leave the building by the front or back doors and call the emergency services on 999.

Health There is a small first aid kit in the pantry cupboard. For more serious emergencies, please call the emergency services on 999.

The nearest hospitals with full A&E and other services are in Cwmbran (25 miles, approx. 35 minutes) and Newport (21 miles approx. 40 minutes). There is a minor injuries unit at Nevill Hall in – suitable for children aged over 1. Children aged under 1 should attend The Grange in Cwmbran.

• The Grange University Hospital, Caerleon Road, Llanfrechfa, Cwmbran, NP44 8YN Tel: 01633 493100 • Royal Hospital, Cardiff Road, Newport NP20 2UB Tel: 01633 234234 • Nevill Hall Hospital, Brecon Road, Abergavenny, NP7 7EG Tel: 01873 732732

Doctors in Monmouth: Castlegate Surgery, Adjacent to Waitrose. Rear Of, 102, Monnow St, Monmouth, NP25 3EQ Tel: 01600 713811 Dixton Surgery, Dixton Rd, Monmouth, NP25 3PL Tel: 01600 712152

Police The nearest police station is just off the high street (Monnow Street) in Monmouth town centre: • Monmouth Police Station, 19 Glendower Street, Monmouth NP25 3DG Tel: 01633 838 111 www.gwent.pnn.police.uk

The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected] Other Information

The Piggery is fully equipped with everything you should need, including:

Pantry cupboard Under stairs cupboard - Torch - Hoover & mop - Fire extinguisher and fire blanket - Iron & ironing board - First aid kit - Spare light bulbs - Extra firelighters

Bins and Rubbish Recycling is done through different coloured plastic bin bags (red and purple) and a box for glass.

By the wood store you will find: • Large metal bins for each recycling bag & a black bag for general waste • A green plastic bin for glass

In the red bag you can recycle: In the purple bag you can recycle: • Telephone directories and catalogues • Food and drink cans • Thin cardboard • Aluminium foil/kitchen foil • Junk mail including envelopes • Aerosols • Newspapers and magazines • Plastic bottles • Office paper & shredded paper • Yoghurt pots • Margarine tubs In the green glass bin you can recycle: • Plastic punnets/ready meal trays • Glass only • NO broken glass

Please dispose of food waste in the kitchen bin.

Please recycle whenever possible

Fire Wood We have provided a complementary crate of firewood for you during your stay. If you need more wood additional crates are available at £5 each, from the farm office. If the farm office is closed our farmers Tim and Sarah will be pleased to help. Instructions on lighting the fire are further on in this folder.

Central Heating The central heating control is at the top of the stairs, left of the bathroom light switch. If it is on timed (clock icon) it will come on: 6.30 - 9am, 12 -2pm, 6 - 11.30pm. If it is on constant (sunshine icon), the heating will be on constantly. The heating can also be adjusted using the thermostat on the heating control or on the radiators. There are also two electric heaters stored under the stairs, or the wood burner. A diagram of the central heating control is further on in the book.

The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected] Places to eat and things to do

Places to eat Please check current opening times and whether you need to pre-book

The Pig & Apple You’ll find The Pig & Apple in the farmyard, opposite the office. Open Thurs to Sat afternoon/ evenings, serving burgers to eat in or takeaway. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. [email protected] / www.thepigandapple.co.uk

The Boat Lone Lane, Penallt NP25 4AJ - 01600 712615 www.theboatpenallt.co.uk This cosy little pub is steeped in history and is situated right on the edge of the River Wye, overlooking the old railway bridge that crosses from Redbrook to Penallt. Great place for local ciders and ales. Dog friendly, children welcome but vigilance is needed as the woodland garden has a pond and the pub is situated on an open riverbank. Serves food but not every day so call ahead to check if you’d like to eat.

The Bush (formerly The Inn at Penallt) Penallt village, NP25 4SE This pub is situated near the war memorial in the village. Open Tues eve and Weds – Sun from midday. It has tables inside out and serves a range of food. www.thebushpenallt.co.uk

The Whitebrook Whitebrook, Nr Monmouth, NP25 4TX - 01600 860254 www.crownatwhitebrook.co.uk This restaurant is run by Chris Harrod, who trained under Raymond Blanc. It has always had a reputation for delicious food and great service.

Monmouth

Creates Café 7 Church Street, Monmouth, NP25 3BX www.createsmonmouth.com Café and adjacent gallery space.

Green & Jenks Gelato House 11, Agincourt Square, Monmouth, NP25 3DY https://www.greenandjenks.com

The Whole Earth Cafe 10 White Swan Court, Monmouth, NP25 3NY - 01600 715555 www.thewholeearthcafe.co.uk Tucked away neatly between the quaint pedestrianised shopping area of Church Street and Priory Street, this popular bistro-style cafe serves both traditional English and freshly cooked authentic Thai food.

Misbah Tandoori 9 Priory Street, Monmouth, NP25 3BR - 01600 714940 Locally popular Indian restaurant.

La Piccola Italiano 100 Monnow St, Monmouth, NP25 3EQ https://lapiccolaitalia.net

The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected] Delightful Italian restaurant with outdoor terrace. A little bit further afield

The Old Station Tintern Tintern, , NP16 7NX http://www.tinternvillage.co.uk/seedo/tintern-old-station/ Built as a Victorian country railway station, the Old Station is a charming site to visit for a relaxing day out or start to walks in the Wye Valley. It is a perfect spot for a picnic, or to sample the traditional fayre from the Victorian station’s award winning tearoom - voted by Living magazine as one of the top 25 in the UK.

The Stone Mill Rockfield, Monmouth, NP25 5SW - 01600 716273 www.thestonemill.co.uk Superb restaurant in a converted 16th century barn at Rockfield. Awarded two AA rosettes in November 2006, The Stone Mill has an excellent reputation and is listed in all the major eating out guides, including: Michelin, Les Routiers, The Good Food Guide, Hardens and Time Out. They continue to achieve this high standard to the present day.

The Bell at Skenfrith, Monmouthshire, NP7 8UH - 01600 750235 www.skenfrith.co.uk A former 17th century coaching inn on the banks of the , The Bell at Skenfrith has won a series of accolades, including ‘Michelin Pub of the Year’ for Great Britain and Ireland 2007 and the ‘2012 AA wine award’ for and overall UK award. Lovely garden, on the banks of the Monnow river and across the river from the lovely ruins of Skenfrith . A great place for lunch or dinner.

The Clytha Arms Clytha, Near Abergavenny, NP7 9BW - 01873 840206 www.clytha-arms.com Family, dog and child-friendly pub serving good local pub food on one side, with a smarter restaurant on the other, with an excellent choice of beers and local ciders. Well placed for bracing walks up the Sugar Loaf or Skirrid hills outside Abergavenny, time it to finish with a hearty pub lunch afterwards! A favourite with Kate and Ludo and the dogs.

The Hardwick Old Raglan Road, Abergavenny, NP7 9AA - 01873 854220 www.thehardwick.co.uk Beware – Satnav – use postcode NP7 9AB, located on the B4598. Described by Michel Roux Jr as his ‘favourite Welsh restaurant’. The Hardwick has a fantastic reputation built on using quality local produce. Owned by adventurous chef Stephen Terry, The Hardwick has built up a formidable reputation both locally and nationally.

The Walnut Tree Llanddewi Skirrid, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 8AW 01873 852797 www.thewalnuttreeinn.com The Walnut Tree has been a famous inn and restaurant since it began in the early 1960s. It is now run as a joint venture between Shaun Hill and William Griffiths. The Walnut Tree offers proper dining and drinking in an informal setting; for a glass of good wine with a plate of something, through to a full lunch or dinner.

Pizzorante Market Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5SD - 01873 857777 http://www.pizzorante.co.uk/ The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected] Italian restaurant and pizzeria in the central market area of Abergavenny. As a family run restaurant, the atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming and family friendly, just like the food!

As featured on BBC Countryfile:

Kingstone Brewery, Tintern Locally brewery selling and delivering ales, local cider and gin. Phone to arrange if you would like to visit the brewery shop. 01291 680111 [email protected] https://kingstonebrewery.co.uk

Silver Circle Distillery Creators of Wye valley Gin and other craft spirits. The distillery shop in Catbrook is open for tours and tasting, check dates online. https://silvercircledistillery.com

Places to shop

Waitrose 110-114 Monnow Street, Monmouth NP25 3EQ 01600 772552 A handy branch of the supermarket chain, with useful car park outside.

Marks & Spencer – Simply Food 66 - 68 Monnow Street, Monmouth, NP25 3EN 01600 775370

Budgens (also the nearest petrol station) Garage, Cinderford Street Monmouth, NP25 5EZ 01600 712632 Just off the A449 as you head into Monmouth, on the left.

Redbrook Village Shop The Old Bakery, Redbrook, Monmouth, Gwent, NP25 4LZ 01600 772488 Great for essentials including local produce and fresh bread, also sells papers. Walk across the old railway bridge by the Boat Inn at the bottom of Penallt village. Open: Monday to Saturday: 8am – 7pm, Sunday: 9am – 4pm.

Brockweir Village Shop Brockweir, Chepstow, NP16 7NW 01291 689995 www.bandhvillageshop.co.uk The Village Shop is situated on a minor road between the A466 at Brockweir and the A4228 at Hewelsfield. Open: Mon – Sat from 1-6pm, 10am-4pm on Sundays Or, order and collection service Mon - Sat between 9am-12pm

Salt & Pepper 31-33 Monnow Street, Monmouth, NP25 3EF Award-winning cook shop, gift shop, clothes shop and toy shop.

The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected] Bailey’s Whitecross Farm, Bridstow, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 6JU 01989 561931 www.baileyshomeandgarden.com Winner of 'best homewares retailer' in the Telegraph Magazine 2012. Wonderful collection of eclectic homeware and other curios.

Hay-on-Wye If you’re into books then it’s definitely worth a trip to Hay-on-Wye, home of the famous book festival and dozens of great bookshops. www.hay-on-wye.co.uk

Places to visit Please check current opening times and whether you need to pre-book before planning your visit.

Castles and historic buildings

Monmouthshire boasts many fantastic and historic buildings, a few are listed here, more can be found on www..wales.gov.uk.

Tintern Abbey Tintern, NP16 6SE 01291 689251 http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/daysout/tinternabbey/?lang=en The majestic Tintern Abbey was originally founded by Cistercian monks in 1131 AD. It was a victim of the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII and fell into ruin. The Abbey became a popular tourist destination in C18th and was famously visited by both Turner and Wordsworth.

Raglan Castle Raglan, NP15 2BT 01291 690228 http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/daysout/raglancastle/?lang=en Built for show rather than with battle in mind, it still held off Oliver Cromwell’s forces for thirteen weeks in one of the last sieges of the Civil War. The castle was eventually taken and was systematically destroyed by parliament. Enough remains to still impress.

Chepstow Castle Chepstow Castle, NP16 5EY 01291 624065 www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/daysout/chepstow-castle/?lang=en The original part of this well-preserved castle dates to around 1067 but it was still being added to in C17th. A must for history fans.

Skenfrith, Grosmont and Whitecastle are a trio of castles that formed a defensive line and regulated trade routes. If you like to take to the fresh air and walk why not try the circular route which encompasses all three – an invigorating 17 mile round trip. The route, from Offa's Dyke, passes through undulating countryside with hidden valleys and secluded and historic farmhouses in a landscape of mixed farming, where hedgerows and small woods have survived to keep the area rich in wildlife. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected]

St Fagans St Fagans National History Museum, Cardiff, CF5 6XB 029 2057 3500 www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/stfagans/ Located 4 miles west of Cardiff City Centre, just off the A4232. St Fagans is one of Europe’s leading open-air museums and Wales’ most popular heritage attraction. It stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle, a late C16th manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth.

Blaenavon World Heritage Site Big Pit National Coal Museum - NP4 9XP Blaenavon Ironworks - NP4 9RN Blaenavon World Heritage Centre - NP4 9AS or (NP4 9AE for some Sat-Navs) http://www.visitblaenavon.co.uk

Blaenavon received the prestigious status of World Heritage Site in 2000. Home to Blaenavon Ironworks and the Big Pit, a visit here is sure to bring to life the experience of C17th and C18th Welsh families who helped to shape the Welsh industrial landscape. A visit to Big Pit includes a 300ft (90m) descent into the old colliery, where a former coalminer will take you on a fascinating and personal tour with the sights, sounds and smells of the mine. Free entry. Visit now while there are still real miners who remember how it used to be! During weekends and school holidays, the underground tour can fill up, call ahead to avoid disappointment, (029) 2057 3650.

Local fun for small and big kids!

Monmouth Canoe Centre Castle Yard, Old Dixton Rd, Monmouth, NP25 3DP 01600 716083 http://www.monmouthcanoe.co.uk The original canoe hirer and most experienced operation on the river, with modern and well maintained canoes and kayaks. Hire a Canadian canoes or kayak and explore the Wye Valley from the river, one of the best ways to enjoy, relax and take in this breath-taking area of outstanding natural beauty. Run by our friends Graham and Sue Symonds.

Bike & E-bike hire – Launch Bikes, Monmouth Launch offer a fully maintained, insured fleet of bikes and e-bikes - catering for all ages, & even dogs! Richard’s been exploring Monmouthshire and the Wye Valley for over 30 years so he can also recommend routes to suit all interests and abilities. Great if you need any cycle repairs during your stay.

Paddle board hire AdAstra Adventures - lessons and river paddles from Monmouth and the Brecon Beacons. www.adastraadventures.com - 10% discount code: HBN10

There are several paddle board and canoe hire companies based at Symonds Yat, including: https://www.way2goadventures.co.uk https://wyeadventures.com/

Wye Valley Butterfly Farm and Maze Symonds Yat West, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 6DA www.butterflyzoo.co.uk Walk with butterflies from around the world. Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo is indoors, it’s tropical and teems with exotic butterflies.

The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected]

Out & about in the Forest of Dean

Taurus Crafts The Old Park, Lydney, Glos, GL15 6BU www.tauruscrafts.co.uk www.facebook.com/TaurusCrafts Watch out for the giant bull sculpture as you arrive at this arts and crafts visitor centre just outside Lydney. It is a base for small artisan businesses, most of whom make and sell from their workshops. There is a gift shop, café and local and organic food shop. Often special events and craft workshops in the holidays.

Beechenhurst Lodge Speech House Rd, Broadwell, Coleford, Glos, GL16 7EL www.forestry.gov.uk/england - search for Beechenhurst Situated on B4226 Cinderford to Coleford road, signposted 3 miles outside Coleford. Beware - sat navs will take you to Broadwell NOT Beechenhurst, which is a few minutes drive away. Formerly the site of Speech House colliery, Beechenhurst is now the ideal base for a family day out with walking trails, café facilities and a superb play area. Beechenhurst is the starting point for the famous Sculpture Trail, the walk features pieces by famous artists set in beautiful woodland surroundings. It is also connected by cycle path to Pedalabikeaway.

Pedalabikeaway Cycle Centre, Cannop Valley, Nr Coleford, GL16 7EH 01594 860065 Situated on B4234 New Road. OS Grid Reference: SO 624 114 Beware – satnavs may put you in the centre of Coleford or at the cottages down the road. http://www.pedalabikeaway.co.uk/ Pedalabikeaway are the area's premier bike hire specialists, based at Cannop in the beautiful and historic Forest of Dean. Routes for everyone: from easy going family cycle trails to more adventurous cross-country downhill tracks. If you’re going out on your bikes don’t forget your bike lock!

Go Ape! Forest of Dean Mallards Pike Lake, Park End, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 4HD Beware, if using a satnav, head to Blakeney then follow the (small) Go Ape signs to head up to the cabin. You'll need to keep your eyes peeled but this is the best way to get to Go Ape. http://goape.co.uk/days-out/forest-of-dean Rope up and take to the trees with a challenging day out as you Go Ape! In the Forest of Dean. We would advise calling ahead to book for this wonderful treetop experience.

Car parking in the Forest of Dean Car Parking is managed by the Forestry Commission. Tickets can be obtained from the machines in the car parks. Tickets are valid on the day of purchase at Mallards Pike Lake, Symonds Yat Rock, Cannop Cycle Centre and Beechenhurst Lodge.

Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains http://www.breconbeacons.org/ www.visitwales.com/explore/mountains/ranges This is a beautiful part of Wales, with traditional market towns, stunning landscape, canal paths, castles and plenty of family attractions. The scenery here is both beautiful and diverse - rolling countryside and valleys, wide open spaces to the wild beauty of the waterfalls and caves. Explore the towns of Abergavenny, Crickhowell or Brecon or don your walking boots and make for the hills.

The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected] A bit further away but well worth a day trip:

Slimbridge Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Glos, GL2 7BT 01453 891900 http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/slimbridge/ There’s plenty for everyone at Slimbridge. You can see birds from across the world, some of which are tame enough to feed from your hand. Or you can watch wild birds being fed in their thousands at a wild bird feed. Or why not explore the fun side of water? Kids can splash, build dams and climb ropes while parents can enjoy the lovely surroundings.

The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected] The Piggery Heating

The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected] How to light the wood burner

• Open the vents at the bottom and the top of the wood burner and the bottom vent door. This will ensure the fire gets the air supply it needs to establish properly. • Open the door of the woodburner and lay the fire. • Place firelighters, or paper first and then smaller pieces of wood on top. Be careful that the pieces of wood are stable and will not fall out of the fire. • Light the paper or firelighters, close the main door but leave the bottom vent door slightly open. This will assist in lighting the fire. • After a few minutes, when the fire is going well, you can open the doors to add larger bits of wood. Then close the doors and the bottom vent door. • Leave the bottom and top vents open until the fire is well established or roaring. • Once the fire is well established the wood burner can be locked down by closing the vents. This will make it burn more slowly. • When you need to add more wood: use the metal wood burner tool to open the vents and the main door. Add the pieces of wood and close the door, when it is burning well lock the fire down again.

WARNING: The wood burner will be hot once it has been lit and for a period of time after the fire has gone out. Always take care opening the doors and vents and use the metal tool. Please ensure children do not touch the wood burner.

For safety and efficiency reasons do not load wood above the log guard.

Additional crates of wood are available to purchase at £5 each from the farm office or from Tim and Sarah.

The Piggery Upper Meend Farm Lydart Monmouth NP25 4RP www.humblebynature.com [email protected]