Gwent Wildlife Trust 2009 Help us make Gwent a better place for people and wildlife Wildlife Trust Membership includes:- • A welcome pack full of information about your Trust. • Join by Direct Debit and receive a copy of the GWT Nature Reserves Guide worth £6. • A copy of our Natural World and Welsh Wildlife magazines, together with our informative local newsletter, delivered to your door three times a year. • Substantial discounts on GWT courses and events. • Most of all, the knowledge that you are doing something positive for local wildlife - helping to preserve and enhance your local patch for future generations! To join, simply complete and return the membership form overleaf and return it to the office. We’ll do the rest. Thank you. What do people think about Gwent Wildlife Trust courses, events and activities? Introduction to Bird Ringing “So very enjoyable – please hold this course every year” Dry Stone Walling “Good trainer (Terry Mead), spot-on training, friendly staff, lovely location, relaxed atmosphere” Winter Tree Identification “Excellent, knowledgeable tutors & put info across in an easily understandable way” Introduction to Spiders “A fascinating day – brilliant. My son and husband missed a fantastic day” Surveying for Dormice “Brilliant – thanks for providing such a privilege” Introduction to Bird Ringing “I was gutted that there were no big birds“ (From Thomas, aged 9. I guess we’re never going to please everybody!!!!)

The work of GWT is generously supported by businesses, individuals and other grant awarding bodies. Below are just some of those who will keep us going in 2009!

s • family e se • talks ven ur lks ts • co wa pra s • ctical activitie Stay closer to home, help wildlife, save money and get to know your county in 2009

This year, with the country gripped by financial crisis, and the During the year, Gwent Wildlife Trust offers a pound seemingly ever weaker, perhaps the time is right to re- programme of walks, talks, events, and training discover things closer to home? This guide is crammed full of courses throughout the county. These are organised inexpensive (and often free!) things you can see and do by staff, volunteers and local Trust groups. Everyone across your county. From the breathtaking landscape of the is welcome to attend and non-members can save Rhymney valley in the west to the deep, green valley of the money by joining the Trust at the time of booking. Wye in the East, I can promise you that Gwent really does enjoy an abundance of wildlife. Your local Wildlife Trust can help you to find it! For the last 45 years, Gwent Wildlife Trust has worked to make Gwent a better place for People and Wildlife alike, thanks to the support of our membership, which now totals 7000. We manage 30 nature reserves – havens of peace and tranquillity where wildlife can flourish and where people of all ages can enjoy the natural world. All of our reserves are freely open to the public at all times. We are part of a nationwide network of 47 local Wildlife Trusts with more than 700,000 members – together we have a real voice to speak for the The Gwent Wildlife Trust has 8 local Trust groups animals and plants that can’t speak for themselves when across the county. Their work is varied and includes developments threaten the environment in which they live. practical conservation tasks on nearby nature In these troubled times, the Trust needs your help more than reserves, organising walks and talks in their local ever. Everything we do is only possible because of the area, attending local shows and events to raise funds support of people who care about the environment. If you’re and awareness of the Trust and to encourage new not already a member, please think about joining the Trust members to join. today. A membership form can be found on the inside back cover – as little as £2 per month would really help. You can All these local groups are run by volunteers who give contact our membership team on 01600 740600. their valuable time, enthusiasm and expertise. New members are always welcome and you can find out If you are a member already, thank you very much. Please tell your friends and family more by contacting one of the group leaders below. about the Trust. Who do you know who would like to join us, and play their part in saving and enhancing our precious local wildlife? Abergavenny Group - Keith White 01873 852036 [email protected] I hope you have a good 2009. I look forward to exploring our county and Group - Rodney Morris 01495 308056 its wildlife with you this year. [email protected] Yours sincerely, Chepstow Group - Hilary Lee 01291 689326 Denis Jackson , Friends of Silent Valley - Luke Phillips 01495 350852 People and Wildlife Manager. [email protected] Gwent Wildlife Trust Group - Alison Willott 01600 740286 Registered charity number 242619 Torfaen Group - Vicky Coghlan 01495 759139 Limited liability company number 812535 Group - Margaret Barford 01495 785530 Seddon House, Dingestow, Monmouth, NP25 4DY Tel: 01600 740600 [email protected] Fax: 01600 740299 Wildlife in Newport Group - Roger James 01633 215627 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.gwentwildlife.org

1 2 General Information

All information is correct at the time of going to print. Cancellation However, occasionally details may change, so please Sometimes the Trust needs to cancel or postpone contact the Trust office on 01600 740600 to confirm. events for reasons beyond its control such as During the year, we often add new courses and weather or staff sickness. In the unlikely event of this events not listed in this programme. These are occurring, a full refund will be given. In the event of communicated to our members through their regular cancellation by you, we will make a full refund mailings and by email. Everyone is welcome to provided at least two weeks’ notice is given. If less receive our regular e-newsletter free of charge. notice is given, we will make a refund provided we Please send an email to Rachael Daniels on are able to re-sell your place(s). [email protected] . You can also find all the latest information on our website, Accessibility of Courses www.gwentwildlife.org. The Trust encourages people to make decisions about Please note that dogs are not permitted at any of the suitability of courses for themselves. Where possible, events listed in the programme, unless otherwise we have included information about sites and/or indicated, to avoid disturbance to wildlife. Please ask activities to help you make an informed choice. If you when booking your place at an event. would like to discuss the suitability of a particular activity or would like further access information, Booking please contact the People and Wildlife Manager on 01600 740600 or email Numbers are limited for most of our activities and [email protected] . booking is essential, with the exception of talks, or unless otherwise stated. Our courses and events And finally... tend to be very popular and fill up quickly so early booking is advised. If you are inspired by the work done by Gwent Wildlife Trust, there is a simple way to ensure that Gwent Wildlife Trust courses represent exceptional future generations will also know and enjoy the value for money especially when compared to natural world on our doorstep. commercial rates charged by many professional organisations. For courses booked or paid for by A gift in your Will is one of the most valuable ways organisations on behalf of their staff, the Trust will you can help save our wildlife. Legacy income is vital add a surcharge of £40 per person per day to the to us and has already helped buy and manage Nature invoice. This still offers great value, especially when Reserves. Funds are always needed to compared with commercial training providers. manage land, campaign on behalf of wildlife and to educate and inspire We can accept payment by cash or cheques (made our children. payable to Gwent Wildlife Trust). Places on courses are secured only on receipt of payment, and payment Will you help us? Please is due within two weeks of booking. remember Gwent Wildlife Trust in your Will. Thank you. d

3 4 Events Guide

Love a Bug Day! Family event An Introduction to Dry Stone Walling Leaders: Kathy Barclay/Helen John Tutor: Terry Mead Ever wanted to find out more about the lives of bugs? Be involved in the restoration of an ancient landscape Well, why not come down to for some feature. This practical course will teach you the real hands-on bug fun, with heart-shaped bug crafts necessary skills to strip out and rebuild a strong, and an exciting insect trail around the reserve! Come stock-proof boundary wall, without the need for and explore the reserve and have some fun finding cement. Learn the function of the different types of out about some of the less loved bugs! This site is stone used in a dry stone wall, and how to build safely largely flat with boardwalk access to many areas. and effectively with them. This is a practical course. Attendees should be prepared for a lot of heavy lifting Saturday 14th February, 1.00pm – 3.00pm and should come with sturdy boots. There are some Magor Marsh, near Newport slopes and uneven ground . Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Cost: Free. No need to book Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th February, 9.30am – 4.30pm Nest Box Building Family event (session 2) Pentwyn Farm, Penallt Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Tutor: Rodney Morris Cost: £5. Booking Essential Learn how to build a home for your favourite Supported by the feathered friends! This half day course with Heritage Lottery Fund experienced local nest box builder and all round naturalist Rodney Morris Talk: Living Churchyards – The Graveyard Slot will include a short indoor Speakers: Colin Harris & Felicity Taylor presentation showing nesting birds in their natural habitats Join professional archaeologists, followed by a demonstration Colin Harris & Felicity Taylor, to and a practical session. You will learn more about the rich learn how the birds build their archaeological and historical own nests and how different interest of our wonderful styles of nest boxes built by churchyards. This talk forms part humans are tailored to suit the of the Gwent Living Churchyards needs of different bird species. Project. The Gwent Living You will then assist in the Churchyards Project aims to construction of a nest box, which increase awareness of the you will be able to take home for a small variety of wildlife to which our churchyards are home. contribution towards the cost of materials. If people Throughout the year, the project supports local training wish to visit the reserve as well, it is largely flat courses, talks and walks centred on wildlife and the with boardwalk access to many areas. The activity wider heritage of our churchyards. will be principally in and around the Derek Upton Centre, at the car park at Magor Marsh, and involves Thursday 12th March, 7.30pm using hammers and other hand tools. Tintern Village Hall, Tintern Contact: Rebecca Price, Gwent Wildlife Trust, Wednesday 18th February, 9.30am – 12.30pm 01600 740600 or [email protected] adults only; 2.00pm – 4.30pm families Cost: Free. No need to book Part of National Nest Box Week For up to date information on course dates and times, Magor Marsh, near Newport please see: Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust www.gwentwildlife.org/livingchurchyards Cost: Members £3, non-members £5. You can take or contact Rebecca on [email protected] home any boxes you make for £3 each

5 6 Hedge-laying Easter Fun Day Family event Tutor: Kevin Williams Leaders: Kathy Barclay/Helen John Hedge-laying is a traditional art, which is falling out of Eggsplore the marsh with the whole family... Search use in modern times. A well-laid hedge is a multi- for eggs in the forest school area and get all sticky functional and attractive landscape feature: it offers toasting and eating marshmallows over a real log fire! stock-proofing, enhances the wildlife potential of the area and helps to perpetuate a declining rural practice. It will be lots of hopping good fun for everyone! This Kevin Williams runs his own business called site is largely flat with boardwalk access to many Greenwise and carries out environmental areas . conservation contracts including hedge-laying, fencing and tree planting. This highly practical course will Saturday 4th April, 1.00pm – 3.00pm provide you with the basic skills needed to lay a Magor Marsh, near Newport hedge in the traditional local style using hand tools. Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust This course is suitable for beginners aged 14 years Cost: Children £1, adults free. No need to book and over. Children must be supervised by their parents or guardians. It will be labour intensive on Fourteen Locks Walk rough terrain, so make sure you bring suitable outdoor clothing and plenty of lunch! The site has Leader: Roger James slopes and uneven ground . A physical activity using hand tools. Roger James is an experienced all-around naturalist and a professional educator who brings a unique style Monday 16th March, 10.00am – 4.30pm and humour to his guided walks. Not someone who Pentwyn Farm, Penallt would ever be described as dry and boring!! Come Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust and celebrate spring history with this natural history Cost: £5. Booking Essential walk. Roger is so popular that you’ll probably be Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund rubbing shoulders with a few of the Trust staff too! Saturday 4th April, 10.00am – 1.00pm Wildlife Management Plans for Gardens, Small Holdings and Open Spaces Fourteen Locks visitor centre, High Cross, Newport Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Tutor: Ian Smith Cost: Free. No need to book Ian Smith is a life long naturalist and ecologist, experienced in practical management planning for Away Day on a Trust Reserve gardens, country parks, nature reserves, open spaces WING Work Task and ’ first ever community nature park. Learn Spend just the morning or stay all day – the how to find out what you want to achieve for your area, how to achieve it, whilst making the best use of choice is yours. Bring a flask & a limited resources including your time! The course packed lunch. The task is usually mixes lecture, discussions and workshops with visits finished by 4pm. to varied sites within short strolling distances. Join in and discover that planning can be fun as well as Sunday 5th April, 10.30am rewarding and that the 3P rule can also mean Plants, Meet at the Civic Centre, Ponds and People! Ian is also an Inclusive Access Newport Consultant and has chosen a venue and site visits Contact: Wildlife in Newport very accessible to all. Please ask for more information Group, 01633 215627 to help inform your decision making and plan your day. Tuesday 31st March, 10.00am – 4.00pm Bridges Community Centre, Monmouth Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Cost: £25 members, £35 non-members Booking Essential

7 8 Talk: National Amphibian & Reptile Willow Weaving at Primary School Recording Scheme – A Survey of the Reptiles and Amphibians on the Blorenge Tutor: Thom Board Speaker: Frances Baines Traditional crafts are in steep decline across the country and involving young people is an excellent way Frances will outline what NARRS is, to keep them alive. We are looking for volunteers to plus the results of surveys she did in help children at Trellech Primary school construct a 2007 and 2008. Hopefully, she will see willow walkway in the school grounds. You will learn what she can find to bring in the way how to work with this ancient natural material and help of reptiles and amphibians on the night. create a living, growing, permanent structure of nature conservation value for generations of children to Tuesday 7th April, 7.30pm discover and enjoy. St Mary’s Priory Centre, Abergavenny Contact: Abergavenny Local Group, 01873 852036 Friday 24th April, 10.00am – 2.00pm Cost: £1 Trellech Primary School, Trellech Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust if you think you can Talk: Dormice help. Adult attendees must have a valid Criminal Records Bureau disclosure. Speaker: Jan Kinchington Cost: Free. Booking Essential Dormice must be the cutest inhabitants of any GWT Supported by the reserve but as Chief Executive Julian Branscombe Heritage Lottery Fund has been heard to remark, given their rather special requirements, it’s a wonder that they survive at all! Visit to Wyeswood Common Jan Kinchington runs the Dormice Monitoring Project Leader: Annette Murray for Gwent Wildlife Trust, and trains members who are interested in working with these charming little Gwent Wildlife Trust successfully animals. She hopes to develop the project across the acquired Wyeswood Common in county. Why not come along and find out what’s January 2008 and immediately involved? began work to restore the land into a wildlife rich landscape. Tuesday 14th April, 7.30pm for 8.00pm The tour around the Common Glen-yr-Afon House Hotel, Usk will reveal the progress to date Contact: Usk Local Group, 01495 785530 of this cutting-edge Cost: Adults £2, children £1 conservation project. Annette Murray is Gwent Wildlife Dormouse Ecology and Conservation Trust’s Wyeswood Common Tutor: Jan Kinchington Project Officer responsible for implementing the Wyeswood This course will cover dormouse ecology, conservation, Common Action Plan and for legal protection and handling. It will include a managing Pentwyn Farm SSSI. supervised visit to check dormouse nest boxes. This Outdoor footwear and warm and course is aimed at those wish to work towards their waterproof clothing are essential. dormouse handling licence. It typically takes one or two Dogs on leads are welcome. Steep and survey seasons of practical surveying after the course slippery terrain in places. before a license may be granted. Much of the terrain is steep with slippery paths. Thursday 30th April, 6.00pm Wyeswood Common, near Monmouth Saturday 18th April, 9.30am – 12.00pm Contact: Chepstow Local Group, 01291 689326 Pentwyn Farm and Croes Robert, near Monmouth Cost: Members £1.50, non-members £2 Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Booking Essential Cost: £80 . Booking Essential

9 10 Dippers, Grey Wagtails and River Life in the Wyeswood – One Year On Angiddy Valley Leader: Annette Murray Tutor: Dr Stephanie Tyler Gwent Wildlife Trust successfully acquired Wyeswood Dr Steph Tyler is a local naturalist with a huge amount of Common in January 2008 and immediately began knowledge and experience. Together with Steph, you work to restore this land into a wildlife rich landscape. will look for nesting dippers and grey wagtails. You may The tour around the Common will reveal the progress even get the chance to help ring some to date of this cutting-edge conservation project. broods! You will learn about these Annette Murray is Gwent Wildlife Trust’s Wyeswood charismatic birds’ use of the river, and Common Project Officer responsible for implementing their interaction with other creatures that the Wyeswood Common Action Plan and for live there, such as aquatic insects. You will managing Pentwyn Farm SSSI. Outdoor also get the chance to footwear and warm and waterproof learn about the riverside clothing are essential. Dogs on leads trees and plants. Some rough ground, are welcome. Steep and slippery potentially with stiles and streams to cross. terrain in places. Sunday 3rd May, 9.00am – 12.00pm Saturday 9th May, 2.00pm – 4.00pm Walk in the Woods Month Part of Walk in the Woods Month Angiddy Valley, near Tintern Wyeswood Common, Penallt Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Cost: Members £5, non-members £8 Cost: Members £3, non-members £6 Booking Essential Booking Essential

International Dawn Chorus Day Plants and Wildlife of Ancient Hedges and Woodland Leader: Julian Branscombe Tutor: Ian Smith Family event (with children over 8) Join GWT Chief Executive, Julian Branscombe, and staff from Torfaen County Borough Council for a free joint Life-long naturalist and ecologist Ian Smith will lead event, celebrating the wealth of birdlife to be heard on you on a gentle stroll on lanes, tracks and field paths spring mornings in the valley of the Afon Lwyd. The in spectacular countryside. You will look in detail at walking is easy, along the tarmac surface of the hedges and woodlands to discover what makes these cycletrack which runs through the Cwmafon Corridor sites ‘ancient’. You will learn about ‘indicator’ plants, LNR. Details of the starting point and car parking will be how to age hedges and woods, identify their many provided on booking. flowers and plants and identify animals by the signs they leave behind. A discovery day for all ages, with Sunday 3rd May, 6.00am – 8.00am light hearted quiz sheets to aid learning outcomes. Cwmafon Corridor LNR, Talywain Day starts with a public bus ride to the hills at Welsh Contact: Blaenafon World Heritage Centre, Newton. Also an Inclusive Access Consultant, Ian has 01495 742333 chosen a walk route downhill that offers minimum Cost: Free. Booking Essential effort requirement and no artificial barriers. Please ask for more information to help inform your decision Away Day on a Trust Reserve making and plan your day. WING Work Task Saturday 9th May, 10.00am – 4.00pm Spend just the morning or stay all day – the choice is Part of Walk in the Woods Month yours. Bring a flask & a packed lunch. The task is usually Monmouth finished between by 4pm. Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Sunday 3rd May, 10.30am Cost: £17 adults, £7 children (plus bus fares) Civic Centre, Newport Booking Essential Contact: Wildlife in Newport Group, 01633 215627 Cost: Free. No need to book 11 12 Finding, Identifying and Monitoring Charcoal Making Birds' Nests Tutor: Jan Kinchington Main Tutor: John Lloyd Jan is Reserves Officer for the GWT and is Monitoring nesting birds is a fascinating hobby and an responsible for the woodland reserves, in particular ideal opportunity to participate in the conservation of Croes Robert, where the coppicing and charcoal Britain's avian fauna. This course will teach you how projects are run. This course takes you through all to become a 'nest recorder' and gather vital aspects of charcoal production. You will learn how to information on breeding birds for the British Trust for stack a charcoal kiln, control the burn and unload the Ornithology. The day will begin with an indoor finished product. During the burn there will be a presentation on nesting birds and the science of chance to walk around the reserve and see how it is monitoring them both in natural sites and nest boxes. managed for wildlife and charcoal production. The The course will then move outdoors, where you will course will be very dirty and dusty – wear old learn to find and monitor birds' nests for yourself. clothing, bring steel toe capped boots (preferable) or Expect to become hooked! wellies. Gloves can be provided. Site is steep with slippery terrain. Sunday 10th May, 9.30am – 6.30pm Magor Marsh, near Newport Wednesday 20th May, 9.30am – 4.30pm Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Croes Robert, near Monmouth Cost: Free. Booking Essential Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Supported by Environment Wales Cost: £5. Booking Essential Supported by the Grand Plant Sale & Bazaar Heritage Lottery Fund

Come and find plants of all kinds for your beds, The History of Millstone Extraction borders and vegetable patch, at very reasonable prices; or if you have too many plants already, why not Tutor: Bob Trett Family event (children older than10) pot some up & bring them along for us to sell! We can collect from you if you let us know. Millstone extraction has been taking place in the Penallt area for hundreds of years. Many abandoned Saturday 16th May, 10.00am – 1.00pm quarries still exist, in particular on the Trusts’ reserve Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cormeilles Square, Chepstow at Prisk Wood. These features are now largely Contact: Hilary Lee, Chepstow Local Group, forgotten but once were an important part of the 01291 689326 landscape, providing stone for cider and corn mills as Cost: Free. No need to book far away as France. Bob Trett, former vice chair of GWT and retired curator of Newport Museum, has researched the historic background of fourteen GWT reserves (see www.bobtrett.co.uk). This course will include an illustrated talk on millstone quarrying in the Penallt area followed by a walk through Prisk Wood to examine the abandoned millstone quarries and other related features. Some rough ground and difficult terrain. Saturday 23rd May, 11.00am – 2.30pm Pentwyn Farm and Prisk Wood Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Cost: £5. Booking Essential Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund

13 14 An Introduction to the Art and Science of A Gentle Introduction to the Wildlife of Bird Ringing Gwent Tutor: Denis Jackson Family event Tutors: Julian Branscombe, Denis Jackson & Jan Kinchington Denis is a licensed bird ringer, with a particular interest in house sparrows, This three day course, led by some of the Trust’s most experienced staff, will provide a comprehensive waders and gulls. He is an and county-wide introduction to the wildlife of Gwent. experienced lecturer and practical The Trust has been the premier wildlife conservation instructor whose illustrated talks body in the county for more than 40 years and many on bird ringing and other topics of its reserves can be considered flagship sites for are much in demand by local nature conservation and industrial land reclamation. clubs and societies. This You will be in the company of licensed bird and course will aim to answer several questions including: mammal experts, which should mean some up close How do we know where birds go in the winter? How and personal wildlife encounters. long do birds live? How many of this year’s house Gwent is a county of contrasts. in sparrow chicks will survive to breed next year and the east is characterised by rolling just as importantly, how are these and many other hills, the steep-sided Wye Valley things changing over time? The answers are revealed and the floodplains of the vale by bird ringing. 2009 is the 100th birthday of bird of Usk. This is a pastoral ringing in Britain, so why not come along and find out landscape with scattered a little more about how ringing works and what we rural communities and many woodlands. Further west, have learned from it. A short illustrated talk will be the coalfield valleys are followed by a practical demonstration. Flat ground wilder places, characterised with easy access and minimal walking. by past industrial use including coal mining and Wednesday 27th May, 9.30am – 1.00pm steel working. Today, most of Seddon House, Dingestow that industry has passed and Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust. Booking Essential wildlife now flourishes in what was Cost: Members £5, non-members £10 once among the most damaged environments in Europe. Finally, in the south there are the Gwent Wildlife Walk with the RSPB Family event Levels. Low-lying, marshy ground was reclaimed from the sea generations ago and is now home to an Leaders: Barry Embling and Annette Murray amazing collection of birds, plants and other wildlife. Barry Embling, birdwatcher and naturalist, manages Course Tutors: Julian has been Chief Executive of the the RSPB’s Forest of Dean reserves. You will enjoy an Gwent Wildlife Trust for eight years and has a wide informative wildlife walk starting at the Gwent knowledge of the county’s wildlife, including moths, Wildlife Trust's Pentwyn Farm and going out into the other invertebrates and plants. Denis is an expert on surrounding countryside. Together with Annette British and European birds and a bird ringer. Jan is a mammal specialist and a Reserves Officer with the Murray, Wyeswood Common Officer for the Trust, Trust. She is licensed to handle dormice as part of her you will learn about the exciting plans for monitoring programme and runs regular courses for Wyeswood’s future, and gain a real insight into the amateur and professional mammal surveyors. countryside around you and your place within it. The Some steep and difficult terrain. walk may be strenuous in places and please come equipped for wet and muddy conditions. Dogs are Friday 5th – Sunday 7th June commencing with dinner on Friday evening welcome on leads and under close control. Part of Walk in the Woods Month Steep terrain with some rough paths. The Hill Education and Conference Centre, Saturday 30th May, 2.00pm – 4.30pm Abergavenny Contact: The Hill on 01495 333777 Pentwyn Farm, Penallt and surrounding countryside Cost: £235 for a single residential place, £164 for a Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust. Booking Essential non-residential place, £200 each for a double room Cost: Members £5, non-members £7 Booking Essential

15 16 Go Wild! Family event Wildflower Walk – Cwmcarn Forest Drive Tutor: Caerphilly Biodiversity Partnership Leader: Roger James Family event This event is part of Wales Biodiversity Week and A gentle stroll in the company of a emphasises the link between biodiversity and healthy knowledgeable and entertaining living. Events are organised in partnership, bringing guide – this course takes you together the knowledge and enthusiasm of local through a beautiful area to see biodiversity partnerships and environmental what wildflowers and other wildlife organisations. Join thousands of people across Wales can be found. Rural paths, rough and celebrate our amazing variety of wildlife! Get in parts. involved and make a pledge to protect biodiversity. Learn about recycling and wildlife friendly gardening. Sunday 7th June, 2.00pm – 4.00pm Get up close and personal with some of Gwent’s Part of Wales Biodiversity Week wildlife. A great day out for all the family! Cwmcarn Scenic Drive Visitor Centre Contact: Cwmcarn Forest Drive, 01495 272001 Saturday 6th June, 11.00am – 4.00pm Cost: Adults £1, children 50. Booking Essential Harold Finch Memorial Park, Pontllanfraith Contact: Maggie Iles on 01495 235450 Meadow Plant Identification for Beginners Cost: Free. No need to book Tutor: Rebecca Price An Introduction to the Lowland Dragons of This course is a basic introduction to the identification Monmouth and the of some of our more common meadow plants, using the wonderful species-rich meadows at Pentwyn Tutor: Ian Smith Family event (for children over 14) Farm as an outdoor classroom. After a short A course for dragonfly novices who would like to get introductory talk, the rest of the morning will be spent to grips with their Dragons and Damsels! This course outside looking at specimens in the field (though this will look at the species to be found in the lowlands could be weather dependent!). Rebecca Price is an around Monmouth and along the River Wye, including accomplished and enthusiastic botanist, with the rare Club-tailed Dragonfly. The course will be an considerable experience of helping others to make a interactive mix of indoor lecture and gentle strolls. start on plant ID. Ground rough in places, generally You’ll be amazed at just how many species can be gently sloping with kissing gates. found at sites around the town. Ian Smith, who has studied these amazing insects for 30 years, is also an Tuesday 9th June 10.00pm – 1.00pm Inclusive Access Consultant and has chosen visits to Part of Wales Biodiversity Week sites with excellent access, including for those using Pentwyn Farm, Penallt larger mobility scooters or powerchairs. Please ask for Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust. Booking Essential more information to help inform your decision making Cost: Members £12, non-members £17 and plan your day. See separate but allied course on 8th August. A Summer’s Evening at Magor Marsh Sunday 7th June, 10.00pm – 4.00pm A gentle stroll around this beautiful wetland reserve Part of Wales Biodiversity Week on a summer’s evening, looking out for breeding birds Monmouth and flowers. You could even be lucky enough to spy Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust an otter or a water vole. Refreshments are Cost: Members £17, rumoured. This site is largely flat with boardwalk non-members £20 access to many areas. Booking Essential Thursday 11th June, 6.00pm Magor Marsh Contact: Chepstow Local Group, 01291 689326 Cost: Members £1.50, non-members £2 Booking Essential

17 18 Newport Wetlands Wildflower Walk Glow Worm Walk Family event Leader: Roger James Family event Leader: Chris Hatch The Uskmouth lagoons of the CCW Newport If you’re lucky whilst out walking on a summer night, Wetlands Reserve is an almost entirely man-made you may come across small points of vivid green light site. Today, it is a thriving wildlife haven with otters, shining amongst the grass. Glow-worms are not worms at all – they are bearded tits, Cetti’s warblers and a host of other flora actually a type of beetle! This and fauna present. This walk will concentrate on course will be a walk along the identifying wildflowers, including hundreds of orchids, cycle track near to though with Roger in the lead no doubt insects, birds search for Glow-worms. Please and mammals will be spotted too! bring a torch, strong footwear and waterproofs. Saturday 20th June, 2.00pm – 5.00pm Newport Wetlands RSPB Visitor Centre Wednesday 24th June, 9.30pm – 11.30pm Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust National Insect Week Cost: Free. No need to book Pentwyn Farm, Penallt Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Cost: Members £4, non-members £6 Booking Essential

Bug Day Family event Leaders: Kathy Barclay/Helen John Can you find a beetle on the ground AND in the water? What about a damselfly? Come and discover the answers to these questions and more... be prepared for some dirty detective work! Saturday 27th June, 1.00pm – 3.00pm National Insect Week Magor Marsh, near Newport Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust An Introduction to Dry Stone Walling Cost: Free. No need to book Tutor: Terry Mead Managing your Land for Wildlife Be involved in the restoration of an ancient landscape Tutor: Annette Murray feature. This practical course will teach you the Annette Murray is the Wyeswood Common Project necessary skills to strip out and rebuild a strong, Officer at the Gwent Wildlife Trust and in an ideal stock-proof boundary wall, without the need for position to teach land management with wildlife in cement. Learn the function of the different types of mind. Whether you own a small garden, a farm or a stone used in a dry stone wall, and how to build country estate, this course will help you to understand safely and effectively with them. This is a practical why managing your site for wildlife is worthwhile, and course. Attendees should be prepared for a lot of will teach you how to go about it. This course will heavy lifting and should come with sturdy boots. include an indoor, illustrated talk followed by a walk There are some slopes and uneven ground . around the Trust’s Pentwyn Farm Nature Reserve to look at how the Gwent Wildlife Trust manages its own Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd June, land for wildlife. Please bring suitable footwear for a 9.30am – 4.30pm country walk and warm and waterproof clothes. Pentwyn Farm, Penallt Grassy paths, some slopes and kissing gates. Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Tuesday 30th June, 10.00am – 2.30pm Cost: Members £45, non-members £60 Pentwyn Farm, Penallt Booking Essential Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Cost: Members £25, non-members £35 Booking Essential

19 20 Solutia Meadow Survey and Nature Detectives Family event Management Plan Review Tutor: Chris Hatch Spend just the morning or stay all day – the choice is yours. Bring a flask & a packed lunch. The task is Who better than ecologist, wildlife photographer, usually finished between by 4pm. wildlife tour leader and GWT Trustee Chris Hatch to teach you the fundamentals of wildlife identification? Sunday 5th July, 10.30am Do you know how to tell a badger footprint from a Meet at Civic Centre, Newport dog’s? Do you know how to find out if dormice live in Contact: Wildlife in Newport Group, 01633 215627 your local wood? How about telling your crows from Cost: Free. No need to book your rooks? If you want to be a real nature detective, these are the sort of skills you need. Chris will show Introduction to Dormice Family event you that you don’t need to see wildlife to be able to prove it’s there! A great family experience. Tutor: Jan Kinchington Tuesday 4th August, 10.00am – 12.00pm Jan is a mammal specialist who Pentwyn Farm, Penallt runs regular courses for amateur Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust and professional mammal Cost: Adults £4, children £2 surveyors. If all wildlife were as Booking Essential cute as dormice, the Trust 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 the Trust does to conserve them. An Introduction to the Sunday 5th July, 9.30am – 11.30am Dragonflies and Damselflies of Upland Gwent Croes Robert, near Monmouth Tutor: Ian Smith Family event (with children over 14) Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Cost: Members £3, non-members £6 This is an introductory course for dragonfly novices Booking Essential who would like to get to grips with their Hawkers and Darters. You will look at the species to be found in the Magor Marsh Open Day Family event uplands of Gwent between the Blorenge and Brynmawr. The area is enormously rich in diverse Leaders: Kathy Barclay/Helen John wetland sites resulting from past industrial influences. A real family day out! There'll be masses Ian Smith, life long naturalist and ecologist, is also an to see and do for adults and children Inclusive Access Consultant and has chosen visits to alike: guided walks, pond dipping, sites with potentially easy access for people, including various stalls, children's trails, bug those using larger mobility scooters or powerchairs. hunting, face painting, Please ask for more information to help inform your refreshments, and so much more! decision making and plan your day. Saturday 11th July, Saturday 8th August 10.30am – 4.00pm 2.00pm – 5.00pm See separate but allied course on 7th June. Magor Marsh, near Newport The new World Heritage Centre, Blaenavon Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Cost: Adults £2 (members £1), Cost: Members £17, non-members £20 children £1, families £5. Booking Essential No need to book

21 22 Creating your Ultimate Wildlife Garden Dingestow Court Open Gardens Family event Tutor: Ian Smith Leaders: Helen Bosanquet/Denis Jackson Ian Smith is a life long naturalist and ecologist with 30 In 2008, hundreds of people came to see the years experience of turning flat lawn ‘yawns’ into delightful gardens that Helen Bosanquet has created buzzing 3D wildlife heavens on shoestring economics. at Dingestow Court – also home to GWT’s HQ. Helen has created an excellent example of how wildlife This is a one stop crash course for you to maximize friendly gardening can also be beautiful gardening and the options in your garden for attracting a wealth of each year she opens the gardens to the public to wildlife. You will learn all the techniques for providing support the work of the Trust. In 2009, due to work food, shelter, breeding and hibernation sites for taking place on site, there will be only one open day insects, amphibians, and mammals, both large and so we plan to make it a special one. As well as the small. From the depths of a pond, up the twining gardens, tea, cakes and plants for sale, we plan to honeysuckle stems to the twigs of the trees – we provide a number of activities for children including shall examine: the good rules to follow and what to pond dipping and minibeast hunts – a great day out avoid; working around cats and other predators; what for the whole family. Site is gently undulating with hard and grass paths. techniques always work and where Wednesday 26th August, 11.00am – 4.00pm crossed fingers Seddon House, Dingestow, near Monmouth might be Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust prudent. Start Cost: Free. No need to book preparing your Surveying for Dormice ultimate garden wish list right now! Easy access, suitable for all . Tutor: Jan Kinchington Sunday 9th August 10.00am – 4.00pm This course is a brief introduction to dormouse Bridges Community Centre, Monmouth ecology, their conservation requirements, their legal Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust protection, where to find them and what signs to look out for. You will join Jan in a walk around Croes Cost: Members £17, non-members £20 Robert, looking at habitat, woodland management and Booking Essential for signs of dormice. Site is often steep with muddy paths. Bird Ringing Demonstration Family event Saturday 29th August, 9.30am – 1.00pm Tutor: Ian Vaughan Pentwyn Farm and Croes Robert, near Monmouth The demonstration will provide a very special Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust opportunity for members of the public to see some of Cost: Members £10, non- Magor Marsh’s wild birds close up in the hand. With members £16. Booking Essential luck, this will include one of Magor’s specialities – the secretive Cetti’s Warbler. Dr Ian Vaughan is an Moth Lamping ecologist working at Cardiff University and will help Tutor: Martin Anthoney you learn how bird ringing is carried out, why bird ringing is carried out and the ways in which regular Moths are an important part of any ringing at Magor contributes to vital conservation environment. People often think that work, locally, nationally and internationally. This event they are the dull cousins of our more brightly coloured butterflies but Martin is suitable for beginners and families, provided that will show you that this is simply not the children are accompanied by an adult. Site is flat case. Discover the close up beauty of these night- with boardwalk access to the ringing area. flying insects. Wednesday 12th August, 8.00am – 12.00pm Saturday 5th September, time TBC Magor Marsh, near Newport Castle Meadows, Abergavenny Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Contact: Abergavenny Local Group, 01873 852036 Cost: Members £3, non-members £6 Cost: £1. Booking Essential Booking Essential 23 24 Introduction to Dormice Family event Forest School Taster Session for Adults Tutor: Jan Kinchington Tutors: Kathy Barclay/Helen John If all wildlife were as cute as dormice, Have you ever wondered what Forest School is? Or the Trust would have 20,000 what your children get up to at Forest School? Why members and everyone would want do they love it so much and why do they come back to work in conservation! This course so muddy?! Why not come and find out for is a chance to meet these elusive yourselves! An adults only session to give you a mammals and to gain an insight into how flavour of what Forest Schools are all about, their they live and the work the Trust does to ethos, and the opportunity to take part in some hands conserve them. Steep terrain and slippery paths. on practical activities. Bring a packed lunch, warm, waterproof clothing and sensible footwear. We’ll Sunday 13th September, 9.30am – 11.30am provide the campfire! Book early to avoid Croes Robert, near Monmouth disappointment! Areas of the site are steep with Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust rough terrain. Cost: Members £3, non-members £6 Booking Essential Tuesday 29th September, 10.00am – 2.00pm Poorland, near Magor An Introduction to Dry Stone Walling Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Cost: Members £2, non-members £4 Tutor: Terry Mead Booking Essential Be involved in the restoration of an ancient landscape feature. This practical course will teach you the Talk: Rescued Birds of Prey & Owls necessary skills to strip out and rebuild a strong, Speaker: Steve Richards stock-proof boundary wall, without the need for cement. Learn the function of the different types of Thursday 1st October, 7.30pm stone used in a dry stone wall, and how to build Chepstow Leisure Centre safely and effectively with them. This is a practical Contact: Chepstow Local Group, course. Attendees should be prepared for a lot of 01291 689326 heavy lifting and should come with sturdy boots. Cost: Members £1.50, There are some slopes and uneven ground . non-members £2 to include tea or coffee Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th September, 9.30am – 4.30pm Fungi – The Forgotten Pentwyn Farm, Penallt Kingdom Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Cost: Members £45, non-members £60 Tutor: Sheila Spence Booking Essential Local fungi enthusiast Sheila Spence will lead you in National Moth Night at Silent Valley an exploration of some of the Trust’s local meadows and nearby woods, including a short indoor tutorial. Tutors: Luke Phillips/Rodney Morris Family event You will learn the basics of species identification and how to record fungi in the field. This comprehensive Join local lepidopterists Luke and Rodney at Silent one-day course is aimed at the adult beginner with an Valley LNR and be inspired by moths! You will use interest in learning more about Kingdom Fungi! Terrain moth traps to lure in these nocturnal creatures - be may be uneven and the weather unpredictable so you surprised at the variety and the colours you’ll find! will need to come equipped with stout footwear, This course could even be an opportunity to get over warm and waterproof clothing. Bring a small collecting a phobia of moths if you have one, but no guarantees basket. of course! Areas of the site are steep with rough terrain. Sunday 4th October, 11.00am – 3.30pm Pentwyn Farm and New Grove Meadows Friday 18th September, 8.00pm – 10.30pm Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Silent Valley Local Nature Reserve Cost: Members £15, non-members £20 Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Booking Essential Cost: Members £1, non-members £3 Booking Essential

25 26 Wyndcliff and Pierce Woods: an Ecological Feed the Birds Day Family event and Historical Introduction Leaders: Kathy Barclay/Helen John Tutor: George Peterken Spare a thought for our feathered friends! Gwent Wildlife Trust President and author of ‘Wye Are you a bird brain? Pit your wits on our fun Valley’ (New Naturalist 105), George Peterken is a bird quiz trail. Make a bird feeder to take noted ecologist. This course is an opportunity to home, as well as having a go at some of our accompany George on an ecological and historical other feathery fun activities. Site is flat introduction to the woodlands of the lower Wye Valley. with boardwalk access to all activities. You will identify different tree and shrub species and Saturday 17th October, 1.00pm – 3.00pm will learn about their habitats and management. Feel Part of National Feed the Birds Day free to bring your copy of George’s book to be signed. Magor Marsh, near Newport Some steep terrain and muddy paths. Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Saturday 10th October, 11.00am – 4.00pm Cost: Free. No need to book Wyndcliff, near Tintern Introduction to Dormice Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust Cost: Members £3, non-members £6 Tutor: Jan Kinchington Family event Booking Essential If all wildlife were as cute as dormice, the Trust Fungi Foray would have 20,000 members and everyone would want to work in conservation! This course is a chance Tutor: Elsa Wood to meet these elusive mammals and to gain an insight into how they live and the work the Trust does to Elsa Wood has been a professional conserve them. ecologist for over 40 years, with extensive experience in finding and Sunday 25th October, 9.30am – 11.30am identifying fungi. The autumnal British Part of Will for Wildlife Week climate is ideal for allowing fungi to flourish Croes Robert (Cwmcarvan), near Monmouth so join Elsa on an informal walk and learn where and Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust. Booking Essential when to find fungi, how to identify them and how to Cost: Members £3, non-members £6 know if they are poisonous or edible! You will need to bring sensible footwear and a collecting basket with An Introduction to Greenwood Crafts you. Some steep terrain and muddy paths. Tutor: Thom Board Sunday 11th October, 2.00pm – 4.30pm Thom Board, Project Officer for Keep Wales Tidy and Wentwood, near Usk member of the Association of Pole-lathe Turners, has Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust. Booking Essential been involved in all aspects of greenwood crafts and Cost: Members £5, non-members £10 carpentry for over four years. This very popular, practical, one-day course is aimed at beginner An Introduction to Green Wood Crafts: How woodworkers and teaches the principles of splitting to Build a Shave Horse greenwood using traditional tools in order to make useable products. Participants will learn to use shave Tutor: Thom Board horses, riving breaks and pole-lathes. Thom Board, Project Officer for Keep Wales Tidy and Friday 30th October, 10.00am – 4.00pm member of the Association of Pole-lathe Turners, has Springdale Farm Barn, near Usk been involved in all aspects of greenwood crafts and Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust carpentry for many years. This very popular, practical, Cost: Members £20, non-members £30 one-day course is aimed at beginner and intermediate Booking Essential wood workers and teaches the principles of working greenwood using traditional tools. You will construct a Talk: Badger Watching shave horse, one of the principal tools of greenwood Speaker: Keith Childs crafts which will be yours to take home. Easy access but a physical activity using hand tools. Thursday 12th November, 7.30pm Chepstow Leisure Centre Friday 16th October, 10.00am – 4.00pm Contact: Chepstow Local Group, 01291 689326 Springdale Farm Barn, near Usk Cost: Members £1.50, non-members £2 , to include Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust. Booking Essential tea or coffee Cost: Members £20, non-members £30

27 28 Volunteering

Hedge-laying Courses Practical Conservation Tutor: Kevin Williams Help us to manage our nature reserves by joining one of the Hedge-laying is a traditional art, which is falling out of Trust’s volunteer teams. The teams carry out practical work use in modern times. A well-laid hedge is a multi- to create and conserve habitats, monitor species and functional and attractive landscape feature: it offers maintain access for visitors. No previous experience is stock-proofing, enhances the wildlife potential of the necessary and all training and tools are provided. You will learn a lot about wildlife, gain new skills, meet like-minded area and helps to perpetuate a declining rural practice. people, and benefit from the exercise and fresh air. Kevin Williams runs his own business called Greenwise and carries out environmental conservation Please bring a drink, and a packed lunch if you intend contracts including hedge-laying, fencing and tree working all day, as well as sturdy footwear with good grip planting. These highly practical courses will provide and clothing appropriate to the weather. you with the basic skills needed to lay a hedge in the traditional local style using hand tools. These courses Midweek Volunteers are suitable for beginners aged 14 years and over. Practical conservation work somewhere wonderful every Children must be supervised by their parents or Thursday. For further information, please contact Jan guardians. It will be labour intensive on rough terrain, Kinchington, GWT Reserves Officer, on 07738 231155 so make sure you bring suitable outdoor clothing and or 01600 740600 plenty of lunch! Strawberry Cottage Wood Thursday 26th November, 10.00am – 4.30pm The wardens of Strawberry Cottage Wood run a morning Pentwyn Farm Reserve, Penallt work task on the second Sunday of every month. This gem Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust. Booking Essential of a site is four miles north of Abergavenny. Work begins on site at 9.30am. For more information, please contact Kaf and Cost: Members £22, non-members £30 John Faragher on 01873 851562. Saturday 28th November, 10.00am – 4.30pm Springdale Farm Reserve, near Usk WING Work Tasks Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust. Booking Essential Practical work in and around Newport on the first Sunday of Cost: Members £22, non-members £30 each month. For more information, please contact Roger and Julia James on 01633 215627 Talk: Hidden Life of Slimbridge or email [email protected]. Speaker: Neil Woodward Friends of Silent Valley For more information about their work task days at the Silent Thursday 3rd December, 7.30pm Valley Local Nature Reserve, please contact Luke Phillips, Chepstow Leisure Centre chairman of the group, on 01495 350852 Contact: Chepstow Local Group, or email [email protected]. 01291 689326 Cost: Members £1.50, The Gwent Levellers non-members £2, to include tea There will be a new Wetlands Volunteer group working or coffee every Wednesday on the Gwent Levels. The group will meet at 1030am at either Magor Marsh or the Solutia reserve. If Nature Detectives (for adults) you are interested in joining in with some practical conservation work, please call Richard Bakere on Tutor: Chris Hatch 07891 044007 or email [email protected]. Who better than ecologist, wildlife photographer, Wyeswood Common wildlife tour leader and trustee of the Gwent Wildlife There will shortly be the exciting opportunity to get involved Trust, Chris Hatch, to teach you the fundamentals of with the restoration of GWT’s newest reserve. Details are to wildlife identification? Learn the hidden signs of be confirmed but contact Annette Murray, Wyeswood wildlife to make every walk in the countryside a more Common Project Officer, at the Trust office on fascinating experience. You will learn to recognise [email protected]. various animal prints and the fundamentals of dropping Other Volunteering Opportunities analysis, amongst other wildlife signs. This course is aimed at beginner adults, wishing to learn a bit more If you have some time to spare but swinging a billhook isn’t about their environment. This site is largely flat with your forté, there are many other ways you can help the Trust. Roles include office administration, wildlife surveys, boardwalk access to many areas. fundraising, membership recruitment, education, and much Tuesday 15th December, 10.00am – 12.00pm more. Magor Marsh, near Newport If you are interested in lending a hand, please contact the Contact: Gwent Wildlife Trust office on 01600 740600 Cost: Adults £4. Booking Essential or email [email protected]. 29 30 For Business For Education

Welsh Wildlife Partnerships employees to interact with each other in a non-work setting. This can have a beneficial effect on productivity as Welsh Wildlife Partnerships is the corporate membership employees return to work feeling motivated and inspired. scheme run by Wildlife Trusts Wales. This innovative programme aims to engage and involve your business and To find out more, please contact Amy Mulkern, on your staff in protecting and appreciating our natural heritage. 02920 480070 , The scheme links companies with the conservation agenda or email [email protected]. of the six Wildlife Trusts in Wales, providing a role for you and your employees in enhancing your local area for wildlife. Education Services

The Wildlife Partnerships Scheme achieves three main aims: The Trust has more than 40 years experience of providing • Engaging Welsh businesses in a highly effective outdoor and environmental education. Each year, more than mechanism for pursuing sustainability. 3,000 children take part in our formal programmes for schools. The Trust also works with the University of Wales, • Mobilising the Welsh workforce to protect and enhance its helping to give trainee teachers the experience and wildlife and wild spaces. confidence they need to teach outdoors. • Providing Wildlife Trusts Wales with increased funds with Children young and old relish the opportunity to leave the which to preserve the wildlife of Wales for future generations. classroom and continue their education in the outdoors - not of course that they think they’re working, they’re having too By joining the Welsh Wildlife Partnerships scheme, your much fun! But isn’t that the time that they are at their most business will have an opportunity to support and become enthusiastic, inquisitive, and receptive to learning? Working involved in wildlife conservation whilst contributing directly in the outdoor environment is memorable, motivating and to the achievement of social and environmental corporate responsibility objectives. fun. Teachers often find that outdoor learning uncovers hidden talents in children who find classroom life a There are different levels of membership available. For more challenge. Outdoor education can be used to enhance many details, visit the web site, aspects of the curriculum, from mathematics to language. www.wildlifepartnerships.org or contact the Partnership Manager, Amy Mulkern, on 02920 480070 , We are able to cater for groups of up to 30 children with a email [email protected]. variety of age ranges from pre-school and nursery groups through the Foundation Phase, Key Stage 2 and beyond. We Corporate Team Building have experience of working with many groups including The Trust is able to offer outdoor team tasks aimed at those with physical, autistic, behavioural, and learning groups of employees. Team tasks could involve practical difficulties. All our activities have been designed specifically conservation work such as pond-building or maintenance, for schools by qualified teachers. Activities can take place at fence or path construction, clearing invasive scrub, cutting or one of our education centres or within the grounds of your planting trees, and other activities to help manage sites for own school. This year, for the first time, we are able to offer wildlife and community benefit. There may also be other a complete Forest Schools provision with two staff now opportunities to get involved such as raising funds or trained as Level 3 leaders. Please enquire for further details. organising events to support the work of the Trust in the local area. Team tasks can usually be arranged to suit the In the second half of 2009, we anticipate opening a new needs of your group, taking into account the number of teaching facility in Ebbw Vale in partnership with Blaenau participants and range of abilities. Gwent County Borough Council. We are currently looking for As well as raising your company profile within the local ways to reduce the cost of equipping the new centre and community, these tasks can help to build relationships within also looking for local volunteers to help us deliver a wide teams, boost morale, and provide an opportunity for range of education services in that area. If you can help in any way, please do get in touch.

31 32 For Education Consultancy

Ecological Consultancy and Land In-Service Training for teachers (INSET) Management The Welsh Curriculum Foundation Phase now has a Gwent Ecology is a specialist environmental consultancy compulsory outdoor learning component, but unfortunately able to offer a broad range of professional services to both many teachers have little experience of teaching outside the the public and private sectors. A wholly owned subsidiary of classroom and have very understandable concerns regarding Gwent Wildlife Trust, Gwent Ecology donates 100% of its the safety of children in their care. profits to support the work of the Trust. With a wide range of expertise available, Gwent Ecology is The Trust, in partnership with local schools and education able to offer impartial, independent professional advice, authorities, has developed a number of INSET courses guidance, and practical project implementation across the specifically designed to help teachers and others involved in following areas:- the statutory education sector, providing them with the skills • Habitat and protected species surveys they need to teach outdoors effectively. We have also • Ecological site assessment, mitigation and enhancement included courses for those who would like to transform their own school grounds into an effective outdoor learning • Habitat creation and restoration resource, and it’s nowhere near as difficult as you might at • Management plans first think! • Training • Land management advice For an information leaflet on our INSET courses describing each course in detail, or to book on any of the courses listed Previous clients have included Monmouthshire County below, please contact the office on 01600 740600 . Council, Native Woodland Ltd, Welsh Water, the Garnsychan Partnership, and Blaenbran Community Woodland. Our Sustainable Schools and Biodiversity projects have included site survey and assessment, Monday 11th May 9.15am to 3.15pm management plan production, and species advice. This growing business expects a busy year in 2009. Using the Environment to Enhance the Curriculum in Gwent Ecology is staffed by professional ecologists, and is Spring / Summer able to offer its services anywhere in the UK. For more Friday 22nd May 9.15am to 3.15pm information, please call Julian Branscombe, Rebecca Price or Gemma Bodé from the Gwent Ecology team, How to Use Wet Places, Big and Small, in Outdoor on 01600 740600. Education Friday 12th June 9.15am to 3.15pm Wildlife Watch Developing Foundation Phase Language Skills Using the Wildlife Watch is the junior branch of . Outdoor Environment Registered, police-checked volunteers organise and lead fun Thursday 25th June 9.15am to 3.15pm activities for children aged 6 to 14 who are interested in wildlife and the environment. Parents are welcome to join in Using the Environment to Enhance the Curriculum in most events. New members are always welcome. Autumn / Winter We currently have two Watch groups in the county. Magor Friday 25th September 9.15am to 3.15pm Marsh Watch Club meets on the first Sunday of each month at the Trust’s Magor Marsh reserve. For more details contact Developing KS2 Language Skills using the Outdoor Nic Hutchinson on 01291 421568 or email Environment [email protected]. Unfortunately, our Watch Friday 2nd October 9.15am to 3.15pm group at Abergavenny is unable to accommodate more members because we Nature’s Nursery for the Early Years don’t have enough volunteer assistants to Friday 9th October 9.15am to 3.15pm help run it right now. If you can help, or if you might be interested in setting up a Watch group in another part of the county, please call Denis Jackson at the office on 01600 740600 , or email [email protected].

33 34 Support Us Support Us

Support Gwent Wildlife Trust eBay

The Trust is a registered charity seller on eBay. Our ID is The best way to support the Trust is to join (membership form inside back cover). Not only does your membership gwentwildlifetrust. This is the second year we have been subscription provide us with much needed funds but by selling on eBay and it continues to generate worthwhile joining, you add your voice to thousands of others who give income. We sell goods and services donated to us and if the Wildlife Trusts their mandate to campaign more you would like to give us something to sell, please get in effectively for the wildlife and wild places about which touch with Denis Jackson at the office on 01600 740600 you care. or by email on [email protected]. If you are an eBay seller, or think you would like to start Wildlife Winners selling, you can choose to donate a portion of your final Another way to help GWT is to selling price to the Trust when you set up your auction. If have a flutter with our Wildlife you would like some help to do this, once again, Denis is the Winners (formerly the 100 person to contact. r Club). Now revamped and Education updated, you can purchase Wildlife Landlord tickets at a cost of £1 each per month, paying monthly or Just like us, wildlife needs a place to live. Somewhere with annually, by cheque (annual a reliable food supply and a safe, secure place to raise a only) or standing order, giving family. Unfortunately, there is something of a crisis in the you one entry per £1 in our rural housing market. monthly draw. From now on, 30% We all do what we can to provide opportunities for wildlife of the income is sent to one lucky to live around us. We’d all like to do more but most of us winner each month and the rest goes lack the space or the time to do everything we would wish. towards our nominated project. This year, our Wildlife Winners’ profit is going to help the dormice at Croes Robert. It’s frustrating, but now there is a More details are available from Rachael Daniels on solution. Become a GWT Wildlife 01600 740600 or [email protected]. Landlord! We have desirable properties across the county, Sales Goods both on and off our reserves. A year’s sponsorship – of a We generate a large quantity of wood from our conservation bird box or dormouse box – coppicing work to help the diminutive dormouse at Croes starts at only £15. Barn owl Robert Wood. We turn this into charcoal, both for the artist boxes come at a small and the barbeque. If you’d like to buy some, please contact premium! If you’re struggling the office. to find the right birthday, On-line Shopping anniversary or Christmas present for someone special – or For those of you who use the internet, the Trust website even for yourself – Wildlife offers you a number of possibilities. If you shop on line with Landlords could be the answer! Call retailers such as Amazon or Waitrose, visiting your favourite the office for an application form or retailer via our website means that a proportion of what you download one from the website. spend is given back to the Trust. It costs you no more than you would pay going to the retailer’s website directly. Visit www.gwentwildlife.org/supportus.htm for full details.

35 36 Application for Membership Please complete in block capitals

Instruction to your bank or building society to pay by direct debit Title and Full Name

Title and Full Name Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS and return Instruction to Gwent Wildlife (Joint applications) Trust, FREEPOST NE218, Seddon House, Dingestow, Monmouth NP25 4ZX Address Originator’s reference number: 9 8 5 5 8 2 Postcode Telephone Membership reference number (office use only): Email R E How much can you afford to support local wildlife? Our minimum Name(s) of account holder(s) membership subscription rates are given below – many members support us at rates significantly above these figures. We are very grateful to all our supporters. I/we would like to support local wildlife as a member of GWT by paying Branch sort code Bank/Building Society account number £ per month/year (delete as appropriate). To be no less - - that minimum subscription rates – see below. Monthly payments can only be accepted by Direct Debit. Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society Minimum membership rates To the Manager: Bank/Building Society Individual £24 annual / £2 per month Joint £30 annual / £2.50 per month Address Family* £36 annual / £3.00 per month Reduced rate** £12 annual / £1.00 per month Life £350 For details of corporate membership, please contact us on 02920 480070. Postcode * Family membership includes Wildlife Watch membership for all children living at the same address. ** Reduced rate membership is intended for people who, for whatever reason, Instruction to your Bank or Building Society: cannot afford the standard rates. Instruction to your Bank or Building Society: Please pay Gwent Wildlife Trust direct debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards Children of family member assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Gwent Wildlife Trust and, if so, details may be passed electronically to Name DOB / / M/F my Bank or Building Society. Name DOB / / M/F Signature(s) Name DOB / / M/F Date / / Name DOB / / M/F ¡

The Direct Debit Guarantee is offered by all Banks and Building Societies that take part in the Direct Debit scheme. The efficiency and security of this scheme is monitored and protected by If you are a UK taxpayer, Gwent Wildlife Trust can your Bank or Building Society. If the amounts to be paid or the payment dates change, Gwent reclaim the tax paid on the money you give. Your support Wildlife Trust will notify you at least 10 working days in advance of your account being debited, will achieve much more – at no extra cost to you. or as otherwise agreed. If an error is made by Gwent Wildlife Trust or your Bank or Building Society, you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your branch of the amount paid. Title and Full Name of taxpayer You can cancel a direct debit at any time by writing to your Bank or Building Society. Please also send a copy of your letter to us.

Signature Date / / The Gwent Wildlife Trust will keep your details on a confidential database, which will not be shared with any third party. This information will be used to let you know about the Trust’s work, to maintain your membership records, and to inform you of activities which we think may be of I wish Gwent Wildlife Trust to treat all donations I make, including membership monies from interest to you. today’s date, as Gift Aid donations, so enabling the Trust to reclaim the tax until I notify you otherwise. I understand that the tax reclaimed by the Trust (currently 28p in the £) must not All information is correct at the time of going to press. Gwent Wildlife Trust reserves the right to exceed the total amount of income tax and capital gains tax which I pay in any tax year. alter membership rates and special offers. March 2009.

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