Each year some Monmouthshire Meadows Group members welcome people into their meadows on our Open Meadows day. It’s a chance to view a variety of flower-rich grasslands and find out about different management regimes, as well as meet other enthusiasts.
On this page:
Important Points for your Visit
This Year’s Meadows
The 2024 Open Meadows are at two locations, both deep within the glorious Monmouthshire countryside with extensive areas of species rich grassland.
Sue and Paul Derrington’s fields, covering 34 acres at Wolvesnewton, have been in the family for over 30 years, and are managed for nature with help from their son Matt. The fields are rich in meadow wildflowers, with numerous Heath Spotted-orchids and large patches of Quaking Grass, alongside other traditional meadow species such as Knapweed, Birds-foot Trefoil, Meadow Vetchling, Pignut, Cat’s-ear, Field Wood-rush, Tormentil and Lesser Stitchwort. There are areas of damp flushes hosting many different sedges, Devil’s-bit Scabious, Betony, Ragged Robin, Lesser Spearwort and other marshy grassland species. Wide hedges with many trees between the fields provide a further range of habitats.
Joe Ryder’s meadows at Lower Gockett near Cwmcarvan are part of his 100 acre organic farm. As well as managing his own land, Joe works for Gwent Wildlife Trust as their Senior Conservation Grazing Officer, and will be there to answer questions about his management regime. The open fields are full of the wildflowers you expect to see in a traditionally managed meadow – Knapweed, Pignut, Common Spotted-orchids, Eyebright, Imperforate St John’s-wort, Meadow Buttercup, Meadow Vetchling, Mouse-ear, Selfheal, Yarrow, Yellow Rattle and many others.
Important Points for Visitors
Note that these are both remote fields with no facilities. You are very welcome to bring a picnic, or you could visit one of the hostelries between the two sites, such as The Lion Inn at Trellech and The Carpenter’s Arms at Llanishen (01600 860812). You will need to book in advance if you want Sunday Lunch.
The sites are ten miles apart and on narrow country roads – allow 30-40 minutes by car between them.
Dogs – only well-behaved dogs on leads please. Please ensure they are kept to the paths and remove any of their deposits!
Guided Walks – There will be guided plant identification walks at both sites at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Spaces are limited so you must book in advance (see below). Walks normally take 1 to 1½ hours (depending on the weather and number of questions!) and are at a slow pace.
Otherwise you are welcome to come between 10am and 4pm if you prefer to wander on your own – please keep to the paths and field edges and keep dogs on a lead to protect the wild flowers. There will be an MMG representative to greet you when you arrive.
The fields may be muddy and some of the ground is rough, so please wear appropriate shoes and clothing.
Directions
Full directions are included on this pdf
Gockett Farm Fields
Important: Don’t follow Google directions to Lower Gockett Farm! The fields we are visiting are on the far side of the farm, reached by a different road. The nearest landmark on Google maps is Forest Hill Farm which is just along the road from our meadow site, on a dead end road that starts at St Catwg’s Church in Cwmcarvan.
The fields are at SO 48413 07143, the nearest postcode is NP25 4JP and What3Words what3words.com/swimmer.trappings.goose
Fields at Wolvesnewton
The fields are at ST 45158 99871, What3Words what3words.com/displays.seagull.yachting. Parking will be a short walk (around 450 metres) away near the Rectory at what3words.com/necklaces.budgeted.boom (ST 45417 99701) and will be signed on the day. The nearest landmark on Google is St Thomas à Becket Church and the nearest postcode is NP16 6NY (although this covers a fairly wide area).
Anyone with mobility problems can contact us in advance to arrange closer parking or a drop off nearer to the site.
Travel Between the Two Sites
Guided Walks
Please book your place(s) on the walks. Remember to wear appropriate footwear as the ground may be muddy and uneven. The duration will vary depending on numbers, and the number of questions!
Monmouthshire Meadows Group 