MonLife’s recent School Swimming Festival welcomed over 345 primary school children to participate in inclusive aquatic activities across Monmouthshire.
Festivals in Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth leisure centres allowed pupils to participate in a series of non-competitive fun events, including floats, strokes and woggle races.
The events that saw 23 primary schools participate, were supported by Swim Wales and 24 MonLife Leadership Academy students. The MonLife Leadership Academy provides support for young people in Monmouthshire to achieve their full potential. Participants gain valuable skills through sport that can be transferred into everyday life.
Cllr Sara Burch, Cabinet Member for Inclusive and Active Communities said:
“These events provided a great opportunity for our young swimmers across Monmouthshire to enjoy fun activities without any pressure to be competitive. The festival demonstrated just how rewarding an active lifestyle can be. Well done to all the children who took part.”
Each of MonLife’s leisure centres features a swimming pool open for public admission, private bookings and classes. All pools are open seven days a week. Throughout the year, all MonLife’s leisure centres have free swimming opportunities. To take advantage of free swimming, participants will need a MonLife card that can be collected at any of MonLife’s leisure centres.
An important watercolour of Chepstow Castle painted by JMW Turner in 1794 has been unveiled in the town’s museum. The work, titled ‘Chepstow Castle on the River Wye Monmouthshire Wales’ is now on public display at Chepstow Museum for residents and visitors to admire. The evocative painting is being displayed as part of an exhibition on The Wye Tour in a dedicated gallery space.
The watercolour dated 1794, was painted when Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) was 19 years old. It was produced on his first tour, which was a journey into South Wales, when Chepstow was his first port of call after crossing the Severn. This view of the castle and riverside the one that would have greeted him.
Cllr. Sara Burch, Cabinet Member for Active and Inclusive Communities, said:
“Having access outside of a major city, to work by such an important artist is really important. In bringing art back to the source of its inspiration, we hope that it will give communities and visitors the chance to appreciate and be inspired by these artworks. They celebrate the townscape as well as the landscape of the Wye Valley. I would encourage everyone to visit the free exhibition when they can, it’s a fascinating look at the changing face of the area.”
Cllr Sara Burch with some of the MonLife team at the museum
Chepstow Museum has been building its collection of original artworks of the Wye Valley by late 18th and early 19th century artists with the support of The Purchase Grant Fund administered by the V&A, Art Fund, the Beecroft Bequest and strategically with the National Lottery Heritage Fund Collecting Cultures Scheme project focused on the Wye Tour. The purchase of the Turner watercolour was funded by these organisations, supported by the Museum Acquisition Fund.
The Wye Tour was a voyage down the River Wye from Ross to Chepstow. It brought artists, writers and early tourists to the area who were attracted by its picturesque scenery and romantic ruins. Its heyday was from 1770 to 1850, the period that coincided with the great development of watercolours. It has been the main focus of Chepstow Museum’s active collecting for the last 15 years and it has brought together significant works by important artists of the period.
Monmouthshire’s museum collections have also become a source of images for writers, journalists and film makers looking for illustrations of the Wye Valley and the Wye Tour. It is hoped that it will in its turn continue to inspire visitors to come to Chepstow and the Wye Valley to see its scenery for themselves, and the artworks at Chepstow Museum.
The Wye Tour exhibition is open every day 11am-4pm (except Weds) and will run until Sunday 17th December, 2023 at Chepstow Museum. For more information about Monmouthshire’s museums visit www.monlife.co.uk/heritage/
Monmouthshire County Council has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
The funding will enable between 15-20 small and medium sized Green Infrastructure Projects in Abergavenny, Monmouth, Magor with Undy and Rogiet to be designed. Green Infrastructure is the term used to describe the creation and management of green spaces, as well as schemes such as native tree planting, woodland management and sites that support wildlife and pollinators, including ponds and wetland.
This project is seeking further opinions of local residents, about the proposed sites and biodiversity enhancements. To get involved head to the Monlife website, fill out a short questionnaire and give your feedback before the consultation closes at midnight on Monday 11th September, 2023.
Monmouthshire County Council has mapped ‘Green Corridors’ (a series of connecting green spaces) which criss-cross urban areas. Wildlife, such as pollinators and birds, use these green corridors and linked green spaces as stepping stones for shelter or to find food, enroute to larger landscapes which encircle our settlements. Urban spaces are becoming increasingly more important in helping our wildlife thrive.
The importance of having wildlife rich native habitats has been identified on specific green sites, and proposed outline designs are designed to work alongside existing uses of these green spaces. The additional benefits to these new or enhanced habitats are: creation of resilient ecosystems, community wellbeing, managing climate change, providing clean air, storing carbon, providing flooding solutions and creating access to nature on our doorsteps. Where possible the council will seek funding to deliver these sites going forward.
Proposed Monmouthshire locations include:
Abergavenny: Old Hereford Road Verges Key Plan, Old Hereford Road Deri View Primary School Car Park, Old Hereford Road (Central), Old Hereford Road (South), Belgrave Park, Cantref Primary School, Our Lady & St Michael’s Catholic Primary School,
Monmouth: Rolls Avenue, Hendre Close Playing Field, Rockfield Avenue & Watery Lane, Clawdd Du (West), Clawdd Du (East)
Magor with Undy: Newport Rd Verges, Blenheim Avenue & Redwick Park . Rogiet: Slade View verges & traffic islands, Rogiet Playing Fields, Rogiet Countryside Park/Severn Tunnel Junction.
Potential Green Infrastructure projects that could be included (dependent on existing ecology on the site):
Wildlife homes: bird/bat/mammal boxes/refugia as part of scheme
Cllr. Sara Burch, Cabinet Member for Inclusive and Active Communities said: “We are thrilled that the funding has been made available to develop plans for green corridors in Monmouthshire. I hope that residents and businesses in the areas being considered – Abergavenny, Magor with Undy, Monmouth and Rogiet – will take the opportunity to get involved and let us know what they would like to see planned for their community.”
Cllr. Catrin Maby, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment said: “This survey is important and will help get a better understanding of what Monmouthshire communities want. We’re already working with elected Town and County Councillors as well as local interest groups, but it is important for the teams working on this project understand how the spaces are currently used and what communities want to see in these green spaces. I would encourage everyone to visit Green Corridor Infrastructure Project – Monlife where you will find a link to a questionnaire. Your feedback really will help these project progress.”
Monmouthshire County Council is proud to announce that more of the county’s attractions and open spaces have won prestigious Green Flag Awards this year.
The awards, presented by leading environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, give recognition to the locations that offer excellent facilities while demonstrating an ongoing commitment to delivering great quality green space.
This year sees Green Flag Awards going to the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal (included for the third consecutive year), Tintern Old Station (award winners since 2009), Caldicot Castle Country Park (since 2013), Castle Meadows Abergavenny (since 2014) and Bailey Park in Abergavenny.
Caldicot Castle
The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is a well-deserved recipient of its second award this year. It runs through the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park with a stretch from Gilwern to Mamhilad within Monmouthshire itself. This quiet and scenic waterway with very few locks is popular with boating beginners and offers incredible mountain views and some of the darkest night skies in Britain.
Monmouthshire’s parks are also very popular with residents and visitors and have attracted numerous awards in recent years. Tintern’s Old Station is a popular attraction, and situated in a scenic wooded area next to the River Wye it’s described as a hidden gem. Caldicot’s magnificent medieval castle is set in fifty-five acres of beautiful country park offering an ideal setting for picnics and walks against the background of the castle walls, with picnic tables and barbeques.
Abergavenny’s tranquil Castle Meadows on the banks of the River Usk provides a peaceful setting just a short stroll from the centre of the town. Castle Meadows was the location for the very successful 2016 Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod.
Castle Meadows, Abergavenny
Cabinet Member for Inclusive and Active Communities, Cllr. Sara Burch said: “I am so pleased that many locations within our beautiful county have received awards this year. It is fantastic to see that our sites at Caldicot Castle and Country Park, Tintern Old Station, Castle Meadows and Bailey Park have been recognised with Green Flag awards.”
In addition, gardens and green spaces across the county have also be recognised in the Green Flag Community Awards: The Incredible Edible Garden in Usk, Mardy Park, Caldicot Community Garden, Crick Woodland, Caerwent Meadows, Crick Meadow, Crucorney Allotments, Garden City Sensory Garden in Chepstow, Goytre Community Garden, Laurie Jones Community Orchard, The Cornfield (Portskewett and Sudbrook) and Rogiet Wildlife Friendly Village.
Tintern Old Station
Cabinet Member for Climate Change & the Environment, Cllr. Catrin Maby said: “These awards mean so much for the many volunteers and community groups across the county. Their dedication and community spirit help keep so many green spaces in Monmouthshire looking beautiful. On behalf of my colleagues and myself, I would like to express our gratitude for all their hard work.
The Green Flag Award programme is delivered in Wales by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, with support from Welsh Government. Independent green space experts volunteered their time in early autumn to judge applicant sites against eight strict criteria, including biodiversity, cleanliness, environmental management, and community involvement.
A full list of award winners can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website www.keepwalestidy.cymru
For more information on the many attractions and places to visit in Monmouthshire take a look at: Visit Monmouthshire www.visitmonmouthshire.com/
The Gwent Green Grid partnership has just announced that it has been awarded almost £1million by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales to promote resilient ecological Nature Networks in landscapes across Gwent.
The Nature Networks will give local people, schools and communities the opportunity to connect with nature. It will raise the awareness of climate and nature emergencies and deliver projects to create and improve the quality of the of green spaces in towns and the wider countryside to deliver nature recovery and increase the resilience of the environment for wildlife and people.
Nature Networks shall include the enhancement of green corridors, tree planting habitat management across the region and access improvements to local and regional routes. The project will also see the expansion of Nature isn’t Neat management where areas of grass are allowed to grow longer before cutting in a more sustainable way.
The project will build upon the successful work of the Gwent Green Grid; a partnership led by Monmouthshire County Council working in collaboration with Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Newport, and Torfaen local authorities and Natural Resources Wales, with other partners.
Children planting saplings
Cllr. Catrin Maby, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, said: “This is great news for Monmouthshire, and our partner authorities and organisations across Gwent. The funding will help create nature and climate awareness opportunities, fund work to boost the resilience of ecosystems in and around our protected sites across the region and so much more.”
Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Inclusive and Active Communities, Cllr. Sara Burch said: “This newly announced funding of £999,095 will secure high-quality green infrastructure improvements, which will include better connectivity of communities in a way that works with and supports the environment. I look forward to the next steps in bringing this Nature Network together.”
Andrew White, Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales said: “It’s a priority for The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales to protect the environment. This is why we support initiatives that help us meet our national nature recovery targets and mitigate the effects of climate change on heritage.
“Through partnerships such as this, we invest in work that helps halt and reverse the loss and decline of habitats and species and allow people to connect with our unique natural heritage.”
Green infrastructure is the term used to describe a network of green spaces and other green features, rural and urban, that can delivery environmental benefits and improve quality of life for communities. This includes parks, open spaces, playing fields, woodlands, trees, residential streets, and much more. A good green infrastructure will help biodiversity, improve water run off after flooding, improve mental and physical wellbeing, encourage active travel and improve carbon storage.
One of many kinds of nature spaces that could be chosen
Monmouthshire County Council has been awarded ‘Local Places for Nature’ funding by Welsh Government to build upon the success of the Community Nature Spaces schemes in Monmouth and Chepstow to deliver a similar scheme in Abergavenny.
The project, which is currently in its initial phase, is seeking the opinion of local residents about the proposed sites in Abergavenny and their potential uses via a short questionnaire on the MonLife website. The consultation will close on Monday 31st July, 2023, but residents and stakeholders are welcome to get in touch about the project at any time.
Community Nature Spaces aims to transform Green Spaces, so they benefit from better grassland management and enhancements for nature to create mini havens for wildlife, providing habitat for pollinators and urban wildlife. But they will not only benefit wildlife, Community Nature Spaces will also provide residents with opportunities for wild play, community food growing and places to enjoy nature and for quiet reflection.
Community Nature Spaces could include:
Community food growing spaces
fruit trees/community orchards
mini meadows and native hedgerows
flower-rich meadows mounds and slopes
Planting for pollinators and other wildlife
Tree and shrub planting
Above: another possible idea for nature spaces
Proposed Abergavenny locations include:
Major’s Barn and Union Road/St Helen’s Close Play Areas
Dan Y Deri Green Spaces & Play areas
Green spaces on Park Close, Old Barn Way, Bishop Close and Highfield Crescent
Croesonen Parc
Nevill Hall
Lower Monk Street road verge
The bus station
Cllr. Catrin Maby, Cabinet Member for Climate Change & the Environment said: “I am pleased that Community Nature Spaces are now coming to Abergavenny thanks to the funding that has been awarded. Green spaces in our towns and residential areas are incredibly important for our well-being, but they also help protect and support biodiversity, enriching the places we live.”
Cllr. Sara Burch, Cabinet Member for Active & Inclusive Communities said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to provide a network for wildlife and people in the very heart of our towns and engage with nature, which is good for everyone’s health and wellbeing. We’d love as many people as possible in and around Abergavenny to have their say about their Community Nature Spaces, to make sure it offers the very best for the town and its people.”
In order to get a full understanding of what Abergavenny’s community wants, Council Officers are working with the elected Town and County Councillors as well as local interest groups. Please visit www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/consultation-community-nature-spaces where you will find a link to a questionnaire about green spaces in Abergavenny, how you use them and how you would like to see them used in the future. The initial phase of the consultation will close on Monday 31st July but residents and stakeholders are welcome to get in touch about the project at any time.
Funding has been secured this financial year to start the construction of the new Active Travel bridge across the Usk, and revised plans for the entrance gates to Castle Meadows have been agreed between Monmouthshire County Council and Transport for Wales. A planning application to improve paths through Castle Meadows, Abergavenny will be considered in the near future by the Council’s Planning Committee. Planning discussions were delayed from July’s planning meeting while a query from Natural Resources Wales about the ecology of the site was explored.
A trial cattle grid with a gate at Castle Meadows will be removed and replaced with just a gate, and the new bridge across the Gavenny will have no grids or gates and allow barrier-free access. Other entry points which lead onto roads and car parks will have kissing gates replaced with easily opened, self-closing single gates and a cycle-width cattle grid for cycles and mobility scooters. The grids will only be in use when cattle are grazing, which is usually between July and January, to give easy access for all users while keeping cattle enclosed. Grazing by cattle is important to the biodiversity of the traditional water meadows.
Cllr. Sara Burch, Cabinet member for inclusive and active communities said:
“I am delighted that funding has been secured this financial year to enable the construction of the new Active Travel bridge across the Usk at Castle Meadows to begin. It is hoped that it will be completed in 2024 and will make it safer for people to travel between Llanfoist and Abergavenny.
“We have listened to public opinion regarding access points to Castle Meadows and as a result we will be removing the trial cattle grid. The original proposals are national best practice for active travel routes that cross areas where cattle graze, but clearly Castle Meadows needs a bespoke approach. The team have explored various alternatives following an incident early this year, including what has worked elsewhere and suggestions made by the public. This is a complex site and there are no easy solutions. We will now only install grids where we would expect dog owners to have their dog on a lead, such as the entrances from car parks and the road. There will be clear signage wherever they are installed. I am grateful to Transport for Wales for continuing to support us with Active Travel funding while allowing flexibility in how we deliver the scheme.
“This scheme is a big investment in Abergavenny’s future and we have to get every detail right. Our aim remains to enable everyone to enjoy the beautiful Castle Meadows including walkers, families with small children, people with limited mobility, cyclists and dog owners. People will be able to choose to use the new, safe, attractive, resin bound surfaces, or wander through the informal paths. The Active Travel routes will provide a safe and pleasant route for walkers and cyclists between Llanfoist and the different areas of Abergavenny, including the new King Henry VIII school and the station. We will continue to consult on the detail of the scheme at each phase.”
There has been some speculation locally that dogs being walked on the meadows will have to be kept on a lead as a result of this scheme. This is incorrect – dogs will continue to be allowed off a lead when it is safe to do so on Castle Meadows. Dogs on or off a lead must always be under an owner’s control, especially around children, cyclists and cattle. And all responsible dog owners should always pick up after their dog.
The proposed route in Abergavenny is one of many across the country that have been proposed as a result of the Active Travel (Wales) act. The act aims to reduce the amount of car journeys by improving the active travel routes in towns. This in turn aims to reduce pollution, improve health and equality.
The scheme has been funded by the Welsh Government through the Active Travel Fund, administered by Transport for Wales. This money is ring-fenced for improvements to Active Travel routes. Each phase of the scheme is subject to separate funding approval, and construction in the Castle Meadows can only take place at certain times of year, making this a multi-year project.
For the latest information about the Active Travel project in Abergavenny and to view the frequently asked questions about the scheme please visit: https://www.monlife.co.uk/castle-meadows-faq/
As part of the Welsh Government Active Travel funding achieved in 2023/24, phase 1 construction works on the Llanfoist to Abergavenny Active Travel Bridge are to be commenced in September 2023.
What work is being done?
The only works that are programmed this year are associated with the active travel crossing at Llanfoist Bridge. Specifically, it is proposed to implement part of the southern embankment ramp works associated with the new bridge (see attached plan red highlighted area to immediate north of Bridge Inn pub grounds), which will satisfy the requirements of the planning permission, which requires works to be commenced on site by 4th October 2023. The construction will comprise the formation of at-grade base foundations for the southern bridge ramp.
When will it start and end?
The initial southern embankment ramp works will be undertaken from mid-September (estimated W/C 18th September 2023) and will last approximately 4 weeks in total.
When will the bridge be finished?
At present MCC are procuring a contractor to undertake the main Llanfoist to Abergavenny Active Travel Bridge works. It is proposed that the contractor would undertake most of the construction (paths, ramps, bridge itself) mid next year, with this currently scheduled to be completed by December 2024.
What about the biodiversity of the site?
We appreciate that the River Usk and adjoining Meadows are rich in wildlife and biodiversity, including otters. We are currently working closely with NRW and local stakeholders to ensure that the proposals do not impact on the otters and/or any other wildlife through all phases of construction.
Through the planning process NRW has been consulted on the proposals to improve existing paths through Castle Meadows, where an open dialog ensures any concerns are addressed. MCC consultants, WSP, have undertaken extensive surveys and have provided evidence to MCC to support the scheme proposals and overall application process.
What is happening with the Castle Meadows paths?
The Castle Meadows paths do not yet have planning permission, these will be considered by a future MCC Planning Committee and the outcome of this will determine the next steps. If successful, funding will be sought to construct the paths for financial year 2024/25. More information on the Castle Meadows paths and the wider Llanfoist to Abergavenny scheme can be found below.
Why are we doing the scheme?
The Abergavenny to Llanfoist Active Travel scheme is aiming to make a safer route for walking, cycling, and wheeling between the settlements. This incorporates a new bridge across the Usk, which gained planning permission in 2018, and links either side. The pathways through Castle Meadows are to be improved to Active travel standards to improve accessibility for all.
The Active Travel (Wales) act aims to reduce the amount of car journeys by improving the active travel routes between trip attractors. This in turn aims to reduce pollution, improve health and equality.
Construction is due to commence late Summer/early Autumn 2023, with the bulk of construction work in 2024. The timings of works are affected by river levels and ecological restrictions.
Meadows plans can be seen below:
What are we doing in financial year 2023/24 on this scheme?
This application concentrates on the Active Travel links needed between the areas of Llanfoist and the main town of Abergavenny. It is based on a new Active Travel bridge and associated links that will deliver a number of Active Travel benefits. The overall outcome of the scheme seeks to deliver
A new pedestrian/cycle bridge across the River Usk about 50 metres east of the existing Abergavenny Stone bridge (a scheduled monument and also Grade II* listed).
Further connections in the form of an off-road Active Travel route through Castle Meadows into the town centre and on to the train station.
Improved links to Llanfoist from the new bridge.
The new bridge will become the main river crossing between Llanfoist and Abergavenny for Non-Motorised Users (NMU’s). This will significantly reduce the risks associated with the existing narrow footway over the existing Abergavenny Bridge and encourage greater modal shift as a result. It is also important to ensure effective connections from the bridge (new and existing) into the town centre, to housing settlements in Llanfoist and other key destinations, so there is a seamless route. Welsh Government has in the past funded previous studies on the Llanfoist Bridge. The bid seeks funding to complete critical stages in the development of the Active Travel network between the Llanfoist settlement and the centre of Abergavenny town.
Active Travel Bridge
The scheme is listed in the LTP programme as 4th highest non-Metro priority. The scheme is Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) highest Active Travel Network Map (ATNM) priority for Abergavenny based on our recent Engagement phase and previous data. The scheme seeks to deliver a new pedestrian/cycle bridge across the River Usk about 50 metres east of the existing Stone bridge which is a Scheduled Monument and Grade II* listed. The new bridge has been sympathetically designed by a renowned bridge Architect and it is proposed that it will become the main river crossing between Llanfoist and Abergavenny for non-motorised users. This will significantly reduce the health and safety risks associated with the existing narrow footway over the existing Bridge. Tasks to include: address pre-commencement planning conditions, procure contractor/s, purchase materials for bridge, implement bridge and associate links and Property Floor Resilience (PFR) measures.
Castle Meadows
The scheme seeks to provide improved Active Travel compliant pedestrian and cycle links across Castle Meadows and Ysbytty Fields linking Llanfoist (via Llanfoist foot and cycle bridge) to Abergavenny town centre and Abergavenny rail station. Tasks to include:
Castle Meadows – achieve planning permission, address any pre-commencement conditions, achieve FRAP for River Gavenny bridge, procure a contractor.
Ysbytty Fields (including A40/Station Road crossing) – subject to successful land negotiations, undertake further surveys, firm up design, submit planning, achieve planning permission, address any pre-commencement conditions, procure a contractor.
Llanfoist Links
The scheme seeks to provide improved Active Travel compliant pedestrian and cycle links between Llanfoist and the new Llanfoist foot and cycle bridge – where pedestrians and cyclists can then continue their journey onwards via Castle Meadows and Ysbytty Fields to Abergavenny Town Centre and Abergavenny Rail Station. Tasks to include: completion of WelTAG Stage 3 Study (including associated surveys, and design), prepare tender pack, enquire and submit planning (if required) and any pre-commencement planning conditions, procure contractor/s, and begin construction.
What is the current planning application for?
The planning application DM/2022/01831 is for the improved paths through Castle Meadows to Active Travel standards, including replacing the River Gavenny bridge. This application will be considered by the Council’s Planning Committee in the near future. This planning application does not include the new River Usk bridge or the paths to the northwest of the bridge linking to Merthyr Road which already have planning permission or the access points to Castle Meadows, which are covered by permitted development. It also does not include pathways on the Llanfoist side of the River Usk, these are currently being developed through a WelTAG 3 study.
Which surface material has been chosen?
During the design process, the engineering team identified many potential surfacing options which would be acceptable to different stakeholders. A preliminary choice of asphalt was made as this was seen to have the best wear characteristics for the yearly flooding events. Following consultation, the proposed surfacing material was changed to a more acceptable solution for the local populace.
The proposed surfacing material is now Resin Bound Permeable – Buff coloured.
Path alignment
The proposed alignment largely follows the existing semi-bound and cellular concrete paths, reducing the impact on the natural environment. Through the consultations we learnt that the preference was to limit the changes to the current alignment and keep the natural desire lines unchanged. By following the official and established paths, the scheme is considered more as an improvement/refurbishment of the existing, rather than new-build, which was preferential from the environmental and stakeholder perspective – not to industrialise the meadow.
Lighting
Lighting in the scheme has been removed following public consultation.
Funding for the scheme
The scheme has been funded by the Welsh Government through the Active Travel Fund, administered by Transport for Wales. This money is ringfenced for improvements to active travel routes through an annual application process on submitted schemes. All installed infrastructure must meet Active Travel guidance as set out here: https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2022-01/active-travel-act-guidance.pdf
Failure to meet criteria will result in the scheme not being funded.
Will dogs be required to be on leads in the Meadows because of this scheme?
No.
It is to be noted dogs must always be under the owner’s control in public, and MCC would always advise that dogs should be under close control (on a lead or at heel) around children, cyclists, cattle and when entering and leaving the meadows.
Cattle grid FAQ
Why were cattle grids chosen?
The challenges at Castle Meadows are complex, with grazing cattle for approximately 7 months a year, accessibility requirements from Active Travel guidance and current usage. After many discussions with various groups and those with experience of such challenges, it was agreed to copy a long existing design formula of a cattle grid with pedestrian gate alongside. This is used extensively on the National Cycle Network, including in Monmouthshire on the NCN 46 at Clydach Gorge without reports of any issues. Further examples can be seen at the bottom of this document.
It was agreed at a project meeting between stakeholders in July 2022 to implement a trial entrance point on the Meadows to test the grid and gate design before being implemented across all access points on Castle Meadows.
Design of the Cattle Grid
The Cattle Grid installed in Castle Meadows was designed and built to British Standard BS4008:2006. It was manufactured by a company who have over 20 years’ experience making grids without any known incidents and installed by reputable local contractors in accordance with CDM regulations.
Why were grids installed without planning permission?
The access point was upgraded through permitted development. This allows the council to improve the access point as seen fit.
Consultation
Public consultation occurred on the scheme in Spring 2022, with support for the scheme as a whole. There were comments of concern around the choice of cattle grids, which is why a trial was proposed instead of full implementation, as well as surfacing material and lighting which were addressed following public feedback. Wider consultation with other stakeholders, such as Guide Dogs and disability groups was conducted to ensure a wide variety of voices were heard.
Entry point from new Active Travel Bridge
The River Usk bridge has planning permission with a cattle grid and gate arrangement on the Meadows side to stop cattle from crossing the bridge. This can be seen below in an extract from the previously approved planning documentation:
Next Steps
These plans have been shared with the funding body and received an agreement in principle to proceed, subject to detailed design.
Abergavenny Town Council are hosting a stakeholder meeting in mid-July 2023 to discuss the scheme proposals following on from the progress made since the last session in July 2022. The project team remain committed to working with all stakeholders for delivery of the project.
What entry points are proposed now
Entry points of Castle Meadows
1.New Active Travel Bridge
2.Merthyr Rd (adj. to existing Llanfoist Bridge)
3.Merthyr Rd (adj. to service vehicle entrance)
4.Byefield Lane Car park
5.Mill St (Castle & Trial location)
6.Mill Lane
7.Ramp to Station Rd
8.Glyndwr Gardens
G. Gavenny Bridge
Entry points 1, 3, 4, 6
Due to the location of these points, with a road or car park immediately adjacent to the entry point, close control of young children and animals is required and as such would be under supervision. The design of these access points is envisaged to be similar to those which were trialled, but with a different gate and narrower Cattle Grid.
The gate will be a slow self-closing, non-latched, push to open into the Meadows. This will have a 1.5m opening and the side of the gate would allow easy reach for those with mobility restrictions to open the gate. The grid width will be 1.5m wide to meet Active Travel standards and length currently envisaged to be 2.6m to stop cows jumping over the grid (British standard). The details of the grid (spacing and bar size) are to be confirmed following discussions with cattle grid specialists, which have been ongoing since scheme inception. It is hoped the design and alignment of the grids can be such that the natural flow of foot movement will be more directed to a gate and dog opening, the wheeled access route will be a slight deviation from visual desire.
The above will be in operation during grazing times on the Meadows (maximum late June – late January). At non- grazing times, the gates will be locked in an “open” position, providing a continuous 1.5m width entry point for all users. The cattle grids will then be either closed off with gates or covered with a continuous surface during this time.
Images above shows 1.5m grid and gate set up (Entry point 6).
Entry point 2
This access point will become secondary once the new Active Travel bridge is constructed and will be upgraded to a push gate only.
Entry point 5
The use of this entry point has been seen to be different to that envisaged by the project team, with dogs let loose well in advance of entering the Meadows. The distance from a road means dog owners feel safe to release their dogs before entering the Meadows, resulting in free running dogs on both sides of the access point.
This entry point will be a push to enter, self-closing gate, which will be 1.5m wide. The access to the gate on the Meadows side will be sufficient to wheel alongside the gate to allow for easier opening reach for those with mobility restrictions. This will be latched open when cattle are not grazing on the meadows. This set up is currently being tested on the current Gavenny bridge and has had positive feedback so far with local disability access groups.
Entry point 7 & 8
The design for these access points is still in consideration due to the infancy of the scheme in this phase.
Gavenny Bridge
The previously proposed cattle controls on the Gavenny Bridge (G on map above) are to be removed to allow free movement of all Meadow users (including cattle) across the bridge, this removes 2 gate/grid constrictions on the scheme, the cattle already cross the adjacent brook and graze both sides.
Contact us
If you would like to contact the project team, please email ActiveTravel@monmouthshire.gov.uk
Council Leader Mary Ann Brocklesby with Cllr Angela Sandles, Cllr Jackie Strong, Cllr Peter Strong, Cllr John Crook, with pupils at a PlayMaker event
Across the week of 5th June, Monmouthshire primary schools attended the PlayMaker Conference. The aim was to bring Monmouthshire’s young leaders together for further training and to celebrate their leadership journeys. Children from 27 out of 30 Monmouthshire primary schools took part in carousel of activities delivered by MonLife Services, Monlife Leadership Academy and external partners, including Rogiet and Dixton parkrun groups, Monmouthshire Community Hubs (and libraries), Bowls Wales, Dragons RFC Community. The events included developing play opportunities, promoting Active Travel, pupil voice, National Governing Body workshops, Team Building, Wellbeing awareness, Disability Inclusion training and many more.
The week-long programme of events received fantastic support from comprehensive schools in Caldicot, Chepstow and Monmouth, who provided facilities for the events as well as and Abergavenny Rugby club and Abergavenny Bowls club at Bailey Park.
The MonLife Sport Development team has been delivering the Sports Leaders PlayMaker award throughout this academic year, engaging with all 30 Monmouthshire primary schools. In total the leadership award has been delivered to a total of 938 Year 5 pupils this academic year, with the aim of teaching pupils key skills such as communication, leadership, organisation and resilience. After the pupils have achieved the award, they assist with providing a positive impact on well-being within their schools. This is the first stage of Sport Development’s leadership pathway, before transitioning into the Year 6 Bronze Ambassador scheme and the Secondary School Leadership academies.
Sport Development have been delivering the PlayMaker award since the 2017/18 academic year, providing pupils in the current Year 5 to Year 10 cohorts with the leadership qualification. Since the project started in excess of 5,500 children have taken part in the scheme.
Council Leader, Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby said: “I am so impressed by the way Monmouthshire’s learners have got involved with the PlayMaker award. It has had a positive impact on almost a thousand young people this academic year, which is incredible. I am proud of every single pupil who has been involved in this, and would also like to thank all the organisations who have come onboard to help us deliver this fantastic programme.”
Chief Executive Officer of SLQ Sports Leaders, Richard Norman said: “We are forever inspired by our PlayMaker partnership with MonLife. For over 10 years now, MonLife has been at the forefront of developing leadership skills in primary school-aged children and is truly investing in the future of Monmouthshire’s children. We know that by building children’s confidence and skills we are giving them the opportunity to become the best future version of themselves. We sincerely hope that in 2033 we will be celebrating 20 years of the MonLife leadership pathway and the achievements of the many thousands of PlayMakers across Monmouthshire that will have benefitted from this programme.”
As part of the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund 2023/24, Monmouthshire County Council has received £6.99million for this financial year, the highest allocation in Wales. This comes after successive years of increased funding for strategic projects across the county, echoing the commitment Monmouthshire has made towards enabling people to walk, wheel and cycle instead of using their car.
Monmouthshire County Council has also received £500k in core funding, which is to be used for the design and development of the Wye Bridge and Wyesham Links projects, and for smaller projects around the county, focussing on minor improvements to Active Travel routes, bringing them up to the required standards.
Active Travel is the term used for getting around via walking, cycling and wheeling (which includes wheelchairs and mobility scooters), instead of by car for short everyday journeys, such as going to school, work or shopping. Monmouthshire has a ten-year plan for improvements across the county, which has been divided into specific projects.
In Abergavenny the newly announced funding will see the Phase 1 construction of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Usk about 50 metres east of the existing road bridge. The crossing between Castle Meadows and Ysbytty Fields will make it healthier and safer for walkers and ‘wheelers’ to get into town and to the railway station. It will mean that residents will be able to travel from Llanfoist into Abergavenny to work, to school or to appointments, without having to walk alongside cars and lorries. Visit www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/active-travel/abergavenny/ to find out more about this exciting project.
In Caldicot the Active Travel route will utilise the disused railway line turning it into a new walking and wheeling route. It will provide a car-free link between Caldicot Castle and Country Park to Church Road that will take people through the countryside and away from the roads. It will also enable local people working at Mitel, Castlegate business park and Seven Bridge Industrial Estate to travel off-road from their neighbourhood to work. For more information visit www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/active-travel/caldicot/
In Monmouth the funding will see the continued development of a foot and cycle bridge across the Wye progress. The bridge which has received support from many residents is currently in the planning stage. It will provide a safe route from Wyesham into Monmouth for students heading to school. It will also be a benefit to anyone wanting to travel to work or appointments safely, away from the cars and lorries on the busy Wye road bridge.
Also in Monmouth, the Williams Field Lane Links scheme is going ahead. It will see major improvements to the pedestrian and cycling route from Williams Field Lane to Monnow Bridge, making it easier and safer to travel into the centre of the town at any time of day and any time of the year. There will also be a new crossing across Wonastow Industrial Estate, as part of the wider scheme connecting Kingswood Gate to the heart of Monmouth. For more information about the Monmouth projects visit www.monlife.co.uk/outdoor/active-travel/monmouth/
Cllr. Sara Burch, Cabinet Member for Inclusive and Active Communities, said: “This is fantastic news for the county and highlights the steps Monmouthshire is taking to encourage more people to support Active Travel and leave the car at home. Soon we will start seeing large projects beginning to be delivered on the ground, which will help decarbonise our transport, one journey at a time. We are committed to working with the Welsh Government to deliver our shared vision – a Wales where walking and cycling are the safe and normal choice for local trips.”
“These Active Travel schemes have been developed and shaped by the needs of our communities, who we are continually engaging and listening to. We’ve been hearing from people for many years who about the need for inclusive, accessible routes. Today marks a big step forward to delivering this for Monmouthshire and its communities.”
“This total funding of £7.49million is the largest ever Active Travel award achieved by Monmouthshire County Council from Welsh Government, demonstrating its commitment to improving walking, cycling and wheeling routes within the county. Previous awards included £3.9million in 22/23, £3million in 21/22 and £1.8million in 20/21.”
