Our Open Meadows this year are at Newchurch and Earlswood, both about half way between Chepstow and Usk, deep in the heart of south Monmouthshire. They are both stunning locations, and the Newchurch location is suitable for access by those with limited mobility. We are operating a booking system for the guided walks led by our expert botanists, Steph Tyler, Andy Karran, Tim Oliver and Lowri Watkins.
Walks will be held at each location at 10.30am and 2pm.
Please note that dogs are not allowed at either location.
Early season meadow at Prospect House
Prospect House, Newchurch
Prospect House is the home of Gillian and Nigel Knowland. They manage 4½ acres of wildflower-rich meadows, including the special treat of a dense swarm of Southern Marsh-orchids, together with Heath and Common Spotted-orchids. Orchids were scarce when the site was first surveyed by MMG in 2012, and after careful management they are now prolific. There are many other indicator species, and the site has been designated a Local Wildlife Site. As a bonus, you can take in sweeping views of Monmouthshire’s wonderful countryside.
In order to protect nesting birds and rare plants, this site will ONLY be open to those who have pre-booked.
Guided walks are available to book:
Morning walk at Prospect House
Afternoon walk at Prospect House
If you would like to visit Prospect House without taking a guided walk please contact us
There are a number of spaces for those with limited mobility, next to the field entrance – please advise us if you will need this . Otherwise, there is on-road parking near the church, about 5 minutes’ walk from the site.
Early season meadow at prospect house
Birds Foot Trefoil and Black Knapweed at Ox Pool House
Ox Pool House, Earlswood
Ox Pool House is the home of Joni and Chris Gooch who have recently taken on management of their three acres of meadows. Joni and Chris are long time members of MMG but bought this property just 2½ years ago, and already they have turned it into a wildlife haven, with the help of a neighbouring farmer who takes a hay crop and winter grazes sheep. There is a broad range of indicator species (Imperforate St John's-wort, Cat's-ear, Meadow Vetchling, Oxeye Daisy, Bird's-foot-trefoil, Knapweed and more), and the land has now been designated a Local Wildlife Site. At the upper boundary is woodland with a variety of field edge species. Joni and Chris will be serving refreshments from their garden, where you get stunning views south, across to the Severn estuary. The site is open from 10am to 4pm with a guided walk starting at 10:30am and 2pm
Afternoon walk at Ox Pool House
There is no parking area at Ox Pool House itself, but plenty of parking at Earlswood Village Hall which is 10 minutes’ walk away. The ground is not suitable for wheelchairs, and this site is less suitable for anyone with limited mobility as there are steep slopes into the fields.
Birds Foot Trefoil and Black Knapweed at Ox pool House
Points to note