Caldicot played host to a celebration of local artists at the weekend, providing a chance for the community to come together and get creative.
A council and community collaboration, Caldicot Arts Festival celebrated its second year; spread across three venues for 2026 and celebrating the theme of Summer Colour.
Together Works and the Caldicot Library & Hub hosted free drop-in activities on the day, with Together Works getting things going in the week leading up to the event.
Irene’s Art Club gave attendees the chance to make woodland animal masks for the Summer Fayre.
Caldicot Library & Hub got into the spirit of things too, hosting a celebration of literature with the Summer Reading Challenge and hosting craft activities and exhibitions by local artists.
At Caldicot Castle there were a variety of displays from different local art groups as well as specialist costume designer, Emma Williams, exhibiting some of her work.
The Caldicot Arts Festival shared the Caldicot Castle grounds with the Caldicot Summer Fayre, which was also taking place outside Caldicot Castle on Saturday 1 August.
Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing and Tourism, Cllr Sara Burch, said: “The Caldicot Arts Festival was such an enjoyable and colourful occasion.
“What better way to spend a sunny weekend than by getting creative in a beautiful setting like Caldicot Castle.
“Hopefully even more creative people from around Caldicot will get involved and make next year’s event even better.”
Work has been completed on the new Castle Dell Play Area in Chepstow.
Families can now enjoy a transformed play area following the completion of a major improvement project, delivered through partnership working between Monmouthshire County Council, Friends of Dell Park Chepstow and Chepstow Town Council.
The project has replaced ageing equipment that had been in place since the 1960s and introduced a modern, high-quality play space designed to provide significantly improved play opportunities for local children and young people.
Alongside the new play area, improvements have included repairs to a neighbouring boundary wall, replacement of key footpaths and steps through the Dell, and measures to improve accessibility for families and disabled users.
The project is funded through grants from Chepstow Town Council, the National Lottery Community Fund, and the Transforming Towns Programme.
Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “This fantastic new play area is the result of years of commitment, collaboration and community spirit. I would like to thank the Friends of Dell Park Chepstow, Chepstow Town Council, our partners and council teams who have helped bring this vision to life.
Castle Dell is a much-loved community space, and these improvements will ensure children and families can enjoy a safe, accessible and exciting place to play for many years to come. It is a great example of what can be achieved when communities and public services work together.”
Cllr Vanessa Badderley-Potter, Mayor of Chepstow, said: “Today should be all about The Friends of the Dell and their indomitable spirit.
“As a town council, we’re delighted to have worked in partnership on this project and to contribute towards its delivery. This exciting new play area will bring enjoyment to generations of children while encouraging more families to visit and spend time in Chepstow town centre.”
The scheme has been shaped by years of dedication from Friends of Dell Park Chepstow, a voluntary group of local parents who first began championing improvements to the site in 2016. Their engagement with children and families has helped ensure the new play area reflects the needs and wishes of the local community.
Vicky Burston-Yates, Chair of Friends of Dell Park, Chepstow, said: “Seeing the park filled with children playing and families spending time together is everything we hoped for when this journey began 10 years ago. This project has always been about breathing new life into a much-loved community space and creating somewhere that brings people together, encourages play and can be enjoyed for generations to come.
On behalf of our small volunteer group, I’d like to thank The National Lottery Community Fund, Monmouthshire County Council and Chepstow Town Council for believing in our vision and helping to make it a reality. We are also incredibly grateful to the local community for supporting us every step of the way.”
Representatives of Friends of Dell Park, Chepstow Town Council and Monmouthshire County Council at the opening
Monmouthshire County Council are asking local groups and residents for their help in identifying and cataloguing sightings of common swifts across the region.
Swift numbers have declined 75% since 1995, but there is something that everyone can do to help address this.
Swifts pair for life and are dependent on our buildings for breeding.
While similar to species such as house martins and swallows, swifts are larger and have a distinctive boomerang silhouette.
They migrate to the UK from central Africa but do not stay with us for very long, many returning to Africa by early August.
Residents can help provide shelter and food for swifts by:
Avoiding blocking small holes in your house. Swifts like to nest in cracks and gaps in buildings
Installing a swift box – ideally on a north facing wall
Counting swift numbers near where you live
Making your garden pollinator-friendly to provide plenty of food for the swifts
To share any sightings or information, contact localnature@monmouthshire.gov.uk
Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Catrin Maby, said: “Swifts are one of the iconic species we have here in Monmouthshire.
“If we all do what we can to protect them and to help them to thrive in our own neighbourhoods, we may be able to arrest the decline in swift numbers.
“Let’s make Monmouthshire as swift-friendly as possible.”
Monmouthshire County Council is bringing back its Nature Isn’t Neat campaign this summer, encouraging a more relaxed approach to grass cutting to help wildlife thrive.
Now in its sixth year, the initiative coincides with Wales Nature Week (4-12 July) and focuses on how cutting grass less often in selected areas can boost biodiversity across the county.
Instead of regularly mowing verges, parks and open spaces, the council leaves some areas to grow through the spring and summer. This allows wildflowers to bloom and creates vital habitats for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
The approach was first piloted in Monmouth in 2020 and has since been rolled out across the county, with Monmouthshire becoming the first council in Wales to review grassland management specifically for biodiversity.
It’s not just good for nature, it also makes green spaces more beautiful and can help you get closer to nature and improve wellbeing. Take a stroll along one of the paths cut through a meadow area and you can find yourself walking alongside wildlife, including grasshoppers and butterflies, with wildflowers and grasses providing a rich landscape.
Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said: “Nature Isn’t Neat is about doing things a little differently to get better results for wildlife. By cutting grass less often and at the right times, we can help nature recover and create spaces full of colour and life.
“These areas might look different, but they play a vital role – supporting pollinators, storing carbon and helping manage flooding. It’s a simple change that makes a big difference.”
The council says the scheme is already helping create stronger, better-connected habitats across Monmouthshire and is part of wider work to tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
Residents are also being encouraged to take part during Wales Nature Week by letting parts of their own gardens grow, planting wildflowers or creating small habitats for wildlife.
Monmouthshire County Council is delighted to announce that several of its parks, attractions and community green spaces have once again been recognised with prestigious Green Flag Awards, including a first-time award for Abergavenny’s Linda Vista Gardens and a special heritage award for Caldicot Castle.
The internationally recognised Green Flag Award celebrates well-managed parks and green spaces that provide high-quality visitor experiences and demonstrate excellence in environmental management, community involvement and maintenance.
This year marks a significant achievement for Linda Vista Gardens, which has received a Green Flag Community Award for the first time.
Caldicot Castle and Country Park has also secured Green Flag Award status and has additionally been recognised with the Green Heritage Site Accreditation.
The Green Heritage Site Accreditation recognises nationally important historic green spaces that demonstrate excellence in conserving, protecting and bringing their heritage to life for visitors.
Across Monmouthshire, there were also Green Flag Awards for:
· Rogiet Countryside Park – an award recipient since 2024
· Tintern Old Station – an award recipient since 2009
· Caldicot Castle and Country Park, honoured since 2013
· Castle Meadows in Abergavenny, since 2014
A further 12 Community Sites were recognised with the Green Flag Community Award, including:
· Bailey Park
· Busy Bees Garden
· Caerwent Meadows
· Caldicot Community Garden
· Crick Meadow
· Crucorney Allotments
· Goytre Community Garden
· Incredible Edible Usk
· Laurie Jones Community Orchard
· Mardy Park
· Rogiet Wildlife Friendly Village
· The Cornfield
Keep Wales Tidy administers the Green Flag Award program in Wales, with support from the Welsh Government. Independent experts in green spaces volunteered their expertise to evaluate applicants against rigorous critera including biodiversity, cleanliness, environmental management, and community involvement.
Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing & Tourism, Cllr Sara Burch, said: “Across Monmouthshire we have so many wonderful green spaces and attractions.
“The news of Caldicot Castle achieving the Green Heritage Site Accreditation shows our ongoing commitment to preserving and enhancing both Monmouthshire’s natural and historic environments.
“I am proud that the hard work of volunteers and Monmouthshire colleagues has been rewarded once again with these Green Flag Awards.”
Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said: “It is so pleasing to see that many of our locations within the beautiful county of Monmouthshire have received awards this year.
“It is fantastic to see sites from Tintern Old Station to Castle Meadows in Abergavenny have been recognised with Green Flag awards.”
Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to see so many green spaces in Monmouthshire recognised in this year’s Green Flag Awards.
“From flagship parks, lakes and a canal to community gardens and orchards, it is clear the county prioritises ensuring all kinds of green spaces reach the highest standards so that they can be enjoyed by all.”
Monmouthshire County Council has approved new investment in Caldicot Leisure Centre, supporting improved facilities and healthier lifestyles in the south of the county.
The investment was approved at a meeting of full council on Thursday, 25 June 2026, and will refurbish and reconfigure the first-floor fitness suite, creating a modern, accessible and welcoming space for residents.
The £601,429 scheme will transform the existing gym by replacing ageing equipment and improving layout, capacity and overall customer experience.
The upgraded centre will include a new 40-station fitness suite, refurbished studios and activity spaces, improved accessibility through inclusive equipment, upgraded toilets, lighting and flooring.
This investment responds to user feedback and recognises the need to modernise facilities that have received limited upgrades over time. Caldicot Leisure Centre is a key community asset, supporting people to stay active, improve wellbeing and reduce social isolation.
The project builds on a range of recent improvements at the site, including a replacement multi-use games area, a new 3G pitch, upgrades to the spin studio, and improvements to the entrance and reception area.
The project is part of a wider programme of investment across Caldicot, including proposals for a new skate park, improvements to the water recovery system, creation of a multi-user route through the country park, and emerging town centre enhancements linked to the placemaking plan, which the council has recently consulted on in partnership with Caldicot Town Council.
Together, these developments demonstrate the council’s long-term commitment to strengthening local facilities, creating welcoming spaces, and supporting healthier, more active communities.
Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “This investment is an important step in improving facilities for residents in Caldicot and the surrounding area. By modernising the leisure centre and continuing to invest across the town, we are creating inclusive, accessible spaces that support people to stay active, feel connected and improve their wellbeing.
“These improvements form part of our wider commitment to strengthening communities and ensuring our services remain sustainable for the future.”
MCC Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, cut the ribbon on officially opening the new 3G pitch at Caldicot Leisure Centre (Pic by Geraint Nicholas/FAW)
A brand-new all-weather 3G pitch has officially opened at Caldicot Leisure Centre, creating new opportunities for people of all ages to get active, connect, and enjoy sport.
The redevelopment replaces the previous 2G surface with a modern 3G pitch, providing a safer, more durable and reliable space for year-round use.
The first of its kind in Wales, the new surface contains an organic, cork infill system, which is biodegradable and boasts a much higher sustainability level than that of a traditional rubber infill system.
Delivered as part of Monmouthshire County Council’s ongoing commitment to improving sport and play facilities, the project has been shaped by community need and designed to ensure inclusive access for schools, clubs and residents alike.
The new pitch will support curriculum use during the school day, opening up valuable space for grassroots clubs, community groups and informal activity in the evenings and at weekends.
The upgraded facility is expected to play an important role in bringing people together, supporting health and wellbeing, and encouraging more participation across the community, particularly among women and girls.
The development has been delivered through a strong partnership approach, with funding secured from Cymru Football Foundation and the Sport Wales Capital Grant to support accessible, high-quality facilities.
Cllr Angela Sandles, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, said: “This new pitch is a fantastic asset for Caldicot. Sport plays a big part in our community, and now Caldicot has a brand-new facility to be proud of. But it’s also much more than sport, it’s about creating a space where our community can come together, build connections and lead healthy, active lives.”
Aled Lewis, Director at the Cymru Football Foundation said: “We’re delighted with the completion of the facility at Caldicot Leisure Centre – being able to provide support to upgrade this pitch has allowed us to bring new opportunities for players in the area and will meet the demand.
“Working collaboratively with Monmouthshire County Council and Sport Wales on this project has been so important in bringing a new lease of life to the facility and a huge thank you to UK Government, the Football Association Wales and the Premier League for their continued support.”
Students, teachers, councillors and representatives from Living Streets have got together to celebrate Walk to School Week in Gilwern by walking along an upgraded walking route.
They were joined by ‘Strider’, the Walk to School mascot of Living Streets Walking Charity, which works with Gilwern School to support and encourage walking to school.
Using the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund, a popular path in Gilwern has been upgraded to help improve access for local residents to get to and from the local primary school from homes east of Gilwern.
The path, running parallel to Ty Mawr Road, provides an improved walking route away from the road. The original path was weathered, leaving a rough and unusable route.
This scheme has upgraded the path, so it is now surfaced and provides improved accessibility through the year, especially for those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs. To mitigate any impact on the ground, surrounding plants, trees and wildlife the path is of a ‘no-dig’ construction style meaning the path is laid on top of the existing ground rather than digging down into the ground.
The works included:
· Widening the path
· Installation of a machine-laid, porous surface
· Addition of tactile pads on crossing points at either end of the path
Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing and Tourism, Cllr Sara Burch, said: “Upgrades like these are vital to enable as many of us as possible to use active travel for our day-to-day journeys.
“With warmer weather hopefully on the way, I can’t wait to see how the path is used by residents and visitors.
“Llanelly Community Council were clear that this path was a priority for action, and I am glad that we have been able to complete it.”
Schools from across Monmouthshire have taken part in a pair of water safety events.
Around 500 students attended the events, which were organised with the support of the RNLI, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Gwent Police and Swim Wales.
All pupils walked away from the event having taken part in four pool-based workshops focused on the Water Safety Code.
This was followed by four dry-side workshops, outlining the dangers of water and the involvement of emergency services and other partners in keeping people safe in these environments.
The Water Safety Code is based on research commissioned by the RNLI in 2018 as part of their Youth Education programme. Since then, it has widely been adopted by the UK National Water Forum, of which organisations including Swim Wales, Swim England, RLSS, RoSPA and the Fire and Rescue Services are part.
The Water Safety Code offers easy-to-remember information designed to educate individuals across the UK and Ireland. It encourages people to make critical decisions early and helps them understand the appropriate actions to take in an emergency.
The code instructs that, if you are around water, you must:
Stop and think – always swim in a safe place.
Stay together – always swim with friends or family, or at a lifeguarded venue.
In an emergency, you should:
Call 999 – If you see someone in trouble, you must tell somebody or go to the nearest telephone and dial 999. Then ask for the Fire Service at inland water sites and the Coastguard at the beach. Throw something that floats for the person to hold on to, but don’t enter the water to help.
A Monmouthshire County Council spokesperson said: “Learning how to be safe around water is a vital skill, especially as we begin to head into the warmer part of the year.
“I am pleased to see that so many students have taken the time to acquaint themselves with the Water Safety Code.
“If you are heading out to one of Monmouthshire’s beautiful rivers or to the coast, please do so safely.”
Hannah Guise, Learn to Swim Manager at Swim Wales, said: “These festivals demonstrate the power of collaboration in teaching and reinforcing potentially life-saving water safety messages to students. Combining theory with practical activities in the water significantly enhances the learning experience. We
were delighted to support MonLife in delivering these festivals and would encourage other local authorities to follow this excellent example.”
Monmouthshire County Council is pleased to report that work to upgrade two play parks in Chepstow has been completed.
The play parks at Western Avenue and Piggy’s Hill have been redeveloped to support a range of ages.
To ensure the new designs reflect the needs of local families, engagement was carried out with parents and children through online surveys – via Let’s Talk Monmouthshire – and direct consultation during the Food and Fun summer programme.
The response was encouraging, with input received from a wide range of age groups.
As a result of this collaborative effort, we are excited to include features such as the supply and installation of the net jumper at Western Avenue, made possible through additional funding from Chepstow Town Council.
At the play park at Piggy’s Hill, Chepstow Town Council provided additional funding to secure a slide unity climber.
These enhancements reflect our commitment to listening to the community and delivering inclusive, engaging spaces for children of all abilities.
The project has been funded by Welsh Government All Wales Play opportunists capital funding with additional funding from Chepstow Town Council.
Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Equalities and Engagement, Cllr Angela Sandles, said: “It is wonderful to see the play parks in Chepstow given a new lease of life.
“I cannot wait to hear how much the children enjoy them.
“Hopefully, the play parks will help the children of Chepstow and beyond to play and stay active for years to come.”
