Improving Access for All, Monmouthshire’s commitment to inclusivity

MonLife’s Countryside Access Service has teamed up with Bethany Handley to raise awareness about improving access for all.

Funded through the Welsh Government Access Improvement Grant, two videos have been filmed to raise awareness and train volunteers/landowners about the need to remove barriers for people accessing the county’s countryside.

Bethany Handley is a resident of Monmouthshire, a member of Monmouthshire’s Local Access Forum and serves as an ambassador for Country Living’s Access for All campaign, Wales Coast Path, National Trails and Ramblers Cymru. She has been recognised as one of the ten most influential disabled people working in the UK’s politics, law, and media.

Bethany Handley stated: “We all have access requirements. One in five people are disabled. At some point in our lives, we may all experience a disability.

“When you exclude one individual, you also exclude their family and friends. There are ways for everyone: volunteers, landowners, and those walking and wheeling on trails to make our paths more accessible to all”.

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, noted: “Monmouthshire was the first authority in Wales to adopt (in 2004) a policy of least restrictive access. Because of the policy we are committed to reducing barriers to access on the rights of way network and removing existing stiles.

“It’s one of the ways we are tackling disadvantage within communities. I am delighted we are working in partnership with Bethany and getting out the message that the countryside is for everyone.

“Improving the accessibility of our public rights of way network is core to what we do. It makes it easier for people to incorporate walking, riding or cycling into their everyday lives and supports active healthy lifestyles. We would like to thank all the landowners, organisations and volunteers that work with us to remove barriers and make our countryside more accessible for all.”  

Cllr Sarah Burch, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing, and Tourism, added, “We are very proud to have been able to support and enable community volunteer groups to be actively engaged with countryside projects, creating sustainable and resilient communities.

“Thanks to the Access Improvement Grant we now have 17 active volunteer groups who have been supported with training, equipment and materials.

“They have undertaken miles of surveys and in the past two years have helped to improve access by removing stiles and replacing them with gaps or gates(68). They have also cleared vegetation from eight miles of paths and 466 pieces of furniture.  Many more paths are lined up for improvements in 2025 and we are looking at ways we can now promote them better.” 

If you are interested in removing barriers or joining a countryside access volunteer group, please get in touch with the Countryside Access Team by emailing countryside@monmouthshire.gov.uk

For more information, and to view the videos, you can also visit:

https://www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/countryside-access/countryside-access-projects-delivery-plan

Swift tower unveiled at County Hall, Usk

A six-metre common swift tower has been installed at County Hall in Usk as part of the Gwent Green Grid Shared Prosperity Funding for enhancing Green Spaces.

The tower, which includes bird boxes for up to 12 pairs of swifts, has been installed at the Incredible Edible community garden.

The tower aims to support the local swift population, which is on the Red List of Conservation Concern, and to raise awareness of how Monmouthshire County Council is supporting nature recovery across the county.

The tower will:

• Provide additional nesting spaces for swifts and other urban nature, to help address the long-term loss of traditional nest sites in buildings.
• Provide a prominent piece of art to inform residents and visitors to the Incredible Edible Community Garden of this iconic, declining urban bird, and to inspire individuals to take action to help swifts and other urban nature.

Swifts have recently been put on the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern in recognition that populations across the UK have declined by 58% since 1995, 75% in Wales.

Swifts nest almost exclusively in buildings, making use of small holes to raise their young. Swifts pair for life, returning to the same nest site each year.

However, with many old buildings being renovated, small holes being filled, or buildings simply demolished, our swifts are losing their nesting sites. To help these birds, their nesting sites should be retained during renovations, provided artificially in the form of swift boxes or in the form of a Swift Tower.

Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) has produced a Local Nature Recovery Action Plan, which sets out actions to help reverse the decline in biodiversity and build ecosystem resilience, support nature recovery and deliver nature-based opportunities to raise awareness.

Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said: “Swifts are on the red list due to declining numbers and so it is vital that we do what we can to support them.

“This swift tower is an excellent way to ensure that we continue to see breeding pairs at County Hall for many years to come. Hopefully it can prove to be a small step towards the recovery of swift populations in the near future.”

Monmouthshire County Council hopes to support further swift project work through the Welsh Government Local Places for Nature funding during 2025-2027. If you would like to find out more or get involved, please email LocalNature@Monmouthshire.gov.uk

Play Sufficiency Assessment being completed in Monmouthshire

Monmouthshire County Council’s 2025 Play Sufficiency Assessment (PSA) is currently being completed and is due for submission in June.

Part of the objective of the assessment is to show that play is a whole-authority responsibility, and that it should be included in all agendas.

The council held a conference to present to stakeholders – including county and local councillors and dignitaries, through a mix of presentations and interactions – demonstrating all the work that has been completed across the local authority from a variety of departments relating to play.

This celebrated the work completed and the benefits experienced by the community, children and young people. The conference also provided an opportunity for those attending to include their views into the final submissions.

As well as a statutory duty, play is important to the health, development and wellbeing of children and young people and is their right as stated in the UNCRC article 31 – guaranteeing children’s right to rest, leisure, play, and participation in cultural and artistic life.

The Welsh Government deadline for the submission of the PSA is 30 June, 2025.

A report will be brought to Cabinet on 25 June for consideration.

Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Angela Sandles, said: “Play provision is such a vital part of the work across Monmouthshire County Council and forms an integral part of the development of children and young people across the region.

“I am proud of all the work that goes on across the county to ensure that play is prioritised.

“It was lovely to hear submissions from schoolchildren at the conference.

“I look forward to seeing the final Play Sufficiency Assessment ahead of its submission later this year.”

Monmouthshire celebrates cultural success at annual event

A giant puppet, poetry, community choir and advice on funding were amongst the highlights of Monmouthshire’s second Creative Celebration.

On Friday, 11 April, County Hall was once again full of creative thinking as Monmouthshire’s creative professionals and cultural organisations came together.

This year’s theme focused on film, theatre, music, script writing, and hearing from those who achieved creative success in 2024. The event featured presentations, a Q&A panel, workshops, a marketplace and performances. Participants heard about work that has been done so far to support the arts in Monmouthshire, and next steps in the development of a Cultural Strategy for the County.  Guests were greeted by the Goddess of the Wye, the creation of puppeteer Kim Kaos and Monmouthshire Community choir performed during the break. 

The Makers Market in the training area showcased a mix of creatives sharing and selling their products.  

Following opening remarks from Monmouthshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, guests were treated to presentations from Samantha Dazhure, a Zambezian poet from Caldicot who opened with a commissioned poem about Monmouthshire, and Hilary Farr from Arts Council Wales discussing funding opportunities and ACW activities in Monmouthshire.  

Council Leader Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby noted: “The arts are in Monmouthshire’s DNA. Across the county, we have artists making Monmouthshire a beacon for all of Wales. Our Cultural Celebration event allows us to bring people together to celebrate their success and also to say thank you for all the work they are doing every day across the county.” 

Quick Fire presentations provided an insight into the varied cultural aspects of Monmouthshire. These were presented by Emma Bevan-Henderson and Lynn Webb from Abergavenny Creative Alliance, Stephanie Roberts from Usk Primary School, Stuart Bawler from Hummadruz – Theatr Uwchfioled Cymru, Bonnie Helen Hawkins (Under Milk Wood illustrated book) and composer Fiona Frank.  

The event also allowed guests to take part in workshops. These included practicalities of funding applications by Hilary Farr, establishing a portrait practice by Oriane Pierrepont, Samantha Rumbidzai Dazhure discussing her book ‘Weeping Tomato’, and Liz Mance presenting her Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Cup of Tea with George Elliot.’ 

A Creative Conversation Panel Q&A, chaired by Emma Bevan-Henderson, closed the event. Panelists included MCC Leader Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism Cllr. Sara Burch, Tracey Thomas, Head of Culture and Community Learning at MCC, and Rachael Rogers, Culture, Heritage and Arts Strategic Manager at MCC. 

Closing the event, Cllr Sara Burch, noted: “This event highlights some of the fantastic work being done across Monmouthshire to support our vibrant cultural industries and creative communities. Our vision is of a Monmouthshire where everyone, at every age can be creative, and can find the their talent. We want to be a County where there is always something happening, in every town, and in our inspirational countryside, supporting new work as well as preserving heritage and tradition. Our hubs, libraries, museums, theatre, schools and town centres are important in providing spaces for creativity of all kinds.  Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to our celebration.” 

The MonLife Heritage and Arts team have a mailing list and growing network of creative professionals and organisations in Monmouthshire. If you would like to be kept informed of future developments, events and opportunities please register with Let’s Talk Monmouthshire letstalkmonmouthshire.co.uk/ or email Culture@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Tree felling work paused at Mill Common, Magor

Mechanical tree felling at Mill Common in Magor as part of The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) has been paused due to the progressing spring and the discovery of several bird nests in the area.

Ecologists have been working closely with contractors throughout the tree works to minimise disruption to local wildlife. Upon discovering the nests, it was decided to halt works and complete any remaining felling in the autumn.

Works to restore the woodland that will not disturb nesting birds will continue, including dead hedging, removal of brash, and stump grinding along the path edges where felling has already been completed.

This change is not expected to affect other parts of the wider project. Monmouthshire County Council will be able to initiate volunteering projects, offering opportunities for the community to help regenerate Mill Common.

Restoration of the paths will be prioritised to ensure that works can be undertaken across all areas where felling is completed. The final section of the path will be finished in autumn/winter.

We appreciate residents’ patience and cooperation with the contractors throughout the tree works and understand there has been disruption to access on site.

We also recognise the changes to the woods resulting from the works, highlighting the extent of ash trees affected by dieback in Mill Common. Replanting with native trees will be undertaken in autumn/winter.

In the meantime, the woods will start to regenerate from naturally present saplings and seeds.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said: “Whilst we are disappointed that some of the work will be delayed until the autumn, we take our duties to safeguard nesting birds very seriously and are confident that the woodland restoration project will be complete by end March 2026.” For further information, or to register interest in volunteering, visit: Mill Common Restoration Project – Monlife

Celebration event for Paths to Communities success

On Friday, 28th March, the Community Hub in Magor and Undy hosted a celebration event to mark the success of the Paths to Communities project.

This event highlighted the achievements made possible by the Welsh Government Access Improvement Grant over the past three years.

The Paths to Communities project has been instrumental in developing partnerships with various organisations, including Ramblers Cymru, Gwent Wildlife Trust, Living Levels, and others. These collaborations have significantly contributed to the project’s success, expanding from 5 to 17 active volunteer groups, with five more groups showing interest.

Monmouthshire has been a pioneer in the UK, being the first authority to undertake a Service Level Agreement with the Ramblers, a model now replicated elsewhere. Although the Paths to Communities Project will not continue into the next financial year, MonLife’s Community Links Officer will continue to support the volunteer groups.

The Ramblers have conducted 82 engagement events, and volunteers have contributed over 4500 hours in the past two years. Their efforts have led to installing 117 waymark posts, 225 waymarkers (signs to mark public footpaths), 68 gates, 94+ signposts, 109 steps, and the resolution of 281 safety issues. Additionally, volunteers have cleared 420 overgrown furniture items and 14,077 meters of vegetation.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism, Cllr Sara Burch, paid tribute to the volunteers, “Without the dedication of the volunteers across the county, the council will not be able to secure that our rights of ways are clear and safe for everyone to use. On behalf of the council, thank you for all your work and dedication.”

The Paths to Communities project, which took place from July 2024 to March 2025, aimed to create a more sustainable management system for the Paths and Rights of Way network on the western side of Monmouthshire. The project focused on enhancing community resilience and empowering local volunteers to achieve social justice and well-being goals.

Cllr Burch continues, “As a council, we are dedicated to working with partners to improve access for all. Being able to agree a service agreement with The Rambles has been key to this, as they’ve been able to provide their expertise in recruiting and training the volunteers.”

To find out more about the MonLife Countryside Access team, please visit: www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/countryside-access/

New memory box service launched in Community Hubs

New memory boxes will be available at Monmouthshire Community Hubs from April 2025.

Thanks to funding from the Welsh Federation of Museums and Galleries, MonLife Heritage Learning has developed 15 new memory boxes for use in the community.

All boxes are available for free borrowing, similar to lending a library book.

Each memory box contains a wealth of carefully selected objects ideal for reminiscing about past events with older adults or people living with dementia. Each box has a different theme so users can chat about various experiences and memories.

The service was recently launched in Caldicot Community Hub. The event showcased information and support for people living with dementia, including Reading Well for Dementia.

Reading Well for Dementia recommends helpful reading and digital resources for people living with dementia, their families and carers. There was also an opportunity to singalong with The Chepstow Singing Club and take part in craft activity from Monmouthshire Community Learning.

Cllr Angela Sandles, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said: “Thanks to funding from the Welsh Federation of Museums and Galleries, our MonLife Heritage Learning officers have been able to create memory boxes that will bring history to life.

“I’ve enjoyed exploring these boxes myself, and I encourage people to borrow them to create moments of reminiscence.”

Monmouthshire County Council would like to thank The Books Council of Wales for funding the launch.

To find your local community hub, visit: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/community-hubs-and-libraries/

Work to commence on Caldicot Active Travel Scheme, Woodstock Way

Monmouthshire County Council will commence work on the Caldicot Active Travel Scheme on the 17th of March 2025.

Funded through the Welsh Government Active Travel Fund, the scheme aims to enhance active travel connections to Caldicot School and other local destinations. 

The council’s strategy for active travel encourages residents to utilise walking, cycling, and other forms of active transport for short, everyday journeys. By creating community environments which make active travel safe, convenient, and attractive, the scheme offers a cost-effective and healthy alternative to driving while enhancing the efficiency of the road system for those who need to drive.

The Woodstock Way scheme has been developed in response to local needs identified by the council and other organisations, which include the necessity for safer routes and crossing points for pedestrians and wheelchair users and will see upgrades in paths and crossings along the road to improve safety, path quality, and reduce congestion. 

A public consultation held in 2024 gathered input on the area’s development plans. This included face-to-face engagement sessions, an online consultation form, and a survey for pupils at Caldicot School to provide feedback.

The developments along Woodstock Way include a redesigned road layout to incorporate a shared-use active travel path, the repositioning of Gray Hill Surgery bus stops closer to the pedestrian route to the town centre (away from the Mill Lane junction), and the installation and upgrading of crossing facilities, tactile paving, and signage.

For full details of the planned works, please visit www.monlife.co.uk/woodstockway/. 

The council are working with Wales & West Utilities and Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) to minimise disruption on all schemes in the vicinity of Woodstock Way. From the 17th of March, the project will involve collaboration between the council and Wales & West Utilities, who are upgrading more than 2,000 meters of gas pipes. All organisations will work together to minimise disruption for residents using the road daily.

Further information about the gas works can be found on the Wales & West Utilities website: www.wwutilities.co.uk/in-your-area/in-your-area-map/?postcode=caldicot. 

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism, Cllr Sara Burch, said: “It’s great to see the work on Woodstock Way beginning. As a council, we are looking to secure the best possible routes for our residents and visitors to utilise while travelling within our towns. 

Thanks to all who participated in the consultation last year, we can design and develop an active travel route that will make people’s journeys safer and more efficient in Caldicot.

I am also pleased to see our partnership with Wales & West Utilities. This working partnership will lessen the impact on people day-to-day as we commence the implementation of the scheme.