As we await the easing of lockdown restrictions we thought we would cheer you with some of the things that are happening behind closed doors, and occasionally outdoors too….
We have nest boxes! – 10 of them – currently being installed at various locations in and around Monmouth. This is part of a new Who Lives With Us project with ACE Green Spaces, and generously funded by the Local Nature Partnership. The idea is to use cameras to reveal the wildlife that lives in our gardens and green spaces, to engage with the public and schools on this through social media, and create a montage or film to present at the Climate Future Festival– a bit like a mini-Spring Watch! So yes, we also have three cameras with which to record those who live with us.
Once we were allowed to exercise outdoors in pairs we have been planting hedges, prepping our No Dig beds, and clearing the winter debris at various locations – plenty more to do so, if you would like to blow away the cobwebs and give a bit of help with our various projects, please let me know – vivienmitchell@yahoo.co.uk. If you don’t know about the No Dig method of gardening read about Charles Dowding, read his books, watch him on YouTube and look at the Facebook page No Dig Gardening – Undug. Apart from saving you the back breaking task of digging, it restores soil health and yields really good results – highly recommended!
If you live in the Rockfield/Overmonnow area there is a consultation out on the enhancement of your green spaces for community growing opportunities, children’s play, leisure and, of course, for wildlife – see https://www.monnaturespaces.co.uk/ for further information and a form for you to complete with your views and ideas for your area. You can also email naturespaces@pegasusgroup.co.uk if you wish to comment or become involved.
Now for something a little different. The County Council has secured a grant to support the Welsh Government’s aim to move to a circular economy in which waste is avoided and items remain viable for as long as possible – all good stuff to combat / manage climate change. This fits in well with our Community Fridge and Repair Café, and will now also include a Library of Things from which you will be able to borrow that item that you only need to use once – no point in buying a cheap one that doesn’t really do the job and then clutters up your garage forever – borrow a gazebo for your party or that drill to put up a shelf or that bit of baby kit that gets outgrown in a couple of months. If there are any particular items you would like the Library to stock, please let us know. Lockdown restrictions will largely determine when we can be up and operating, but – we will let you know as we will need your help in the day-to-day running of the project.
Plans continue for the Climate Future Festival. Please join in these meetings at 7.30pm on 17 and 20 March – links below, password ACE – or contact Laura.acemonmouth@outlook.com and she will send you further details.
Catch up 17th March – 945 8452 7590
Holistic Performance March Saturday 20th (Equinox) – 922 8056 9152
We will have a meeting in April – outdoors if restrictions allow, on Zoom if not. We will let you know, and we will much look forward to seeing you all!
Vivien Mitchell
Transition Monmouth 