On Sunday 9th June our open meadows are all in the Shirenewton area. Visits can be made between 11am and 4pm. Directions for each site are given below the map. For meadows open on 16th June click here.
Northridge House
Usk Road, Shirenewton NP16 6RZ
Grid reference ST 467 953 Map
This meadow and woodland plantation of about 5 hectares was acquired by Ann and Michael Robinson in 2001 as neglected pasture, overgrown with bramble, bracken and encroaching trees. It faces south with fine views and is bounded by a stream with some mature trees including Small-leaved Lime.
Cattle and sheep grazed the land before native woodland was planted with a grant from the forestry commission. In addition several specimen trees have been planted to give interest including Maples, Tulip trees, Magnolias and Cornus.
From Chepstow take the B4235 to Usk for about 5 miles. Pass ‘The Carpenters Arms’ on right and then ‘The Huntsman’ on right. Exactly one mile from the Huntsman towards Usk is a sign ‘Pant y Cosyn’. Turn right down this lane and the meadow gate will be signposted on the right.
From Usk take the B4235 towards Chepstow for about 6/7 miles. The Pant y Cosyn turn is to the left after the turn to Bully Hole Bottom.
Pennsylvania Farm
Usk Road, Shirenewton NP16 6RZ
Grid reference ST 463 951
Jessica King’s meadows at Pennsylvania Farm comprise a large meadow on the west side of the Usk road, less than half a mile from the Northridge House turning (see above), and a smaller field on the east side with the farmhouse. Please note that the road is dangerous and parking is not easy on the main road. It is possible to walk from Northridge House.
SAMFAL Fields
Between Shirenewton and Mynyddbach
The Shirenewton & Mynyddbach Fields Association Limited (SAMFAL in short) was formed in 2006 to protect and enhance the biodiversity and special ecological value of the ‘Green Wedge’ between the villages of Shirenewton and Mynyddbach. There are 11 acres of mixed habitat in two fields divided by a small stream with meadow areas occupying around 50% of the site.
From Chepstow take the B4235 to Usk for about 4 miles. Take the left turn to Shirenewton after about 200 yards you will see a field gate on the right with a ‘Heritage Lottery’ sign attached. Park by the gate and use the pedestrian gate to the right of the field gate to access the fields.
From Usk take the B4235 towards Chepstow for about 8 miles. Pass ‘The Huntsman’ on the left then ‘The Carpenters Arms’ on left then take the next right into Shirenewton.
More details of the location of the fields can be found on their website www.shirenewtonfields.org.uk
Parsons Grove
Earlswood NP16 6RD
Grid reference ST 453 945
This is a good chance to see this rich area of woodland and five species-rich pastures by the Cas Troggy Brook, courtesy of Joni Gooch. There is more information about the meadows and detailed directions on the Parsons Grove web site.
From Shirenewton village drive north past the village hall on the left and continue to the first turn to the left. Continue along this narrow road, following the signs to Parsons Grove. Parking will also be available at Oxpool Cottage just before Parsons Grove.
Monmouthshire Meadows Group 