Town Council Consultations

Following a successful application for funding from Wye Valley National Landscapes (formerly AONB), the Town Council are undertaking a project to improve the appearance of the subway and underpass in Monmouth.  This will include the addition of murals from artist Paul Shepherd who will work with local school children to create the design. 

As part of the discussion, consideration is being given to what should happen with the mosaics that are currently on display in the underpass and we would like your view on what would be best. 

We have created a survey that provides you with the options available to the Town Council and would be grateful if you could complete it so that Councillors can understand the views of Monmouth residents and visitors. 

Thank you for taking part! 

THIS CONSULTATION HAS NOW CLOSED

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO RESPONDED 

Monmouth Town Field (alongside the river, behind the rowing club) is owned and managed by the Town Council. It is enjoyed by walkers along the riverbank and used by Rotary Monmouth for the annual raft race and fireworks displays, as well as by Monmouth Rowing Club for their regatta and other events.

How is it managed at the moment?

At present, the town field is mown 14 times per year by Monmouthshire County Council, working on behalf of the Town Council.

Why are there proposals to change this?

The UK is one of the most nature-deprived countries in the world, with a lengthening list of threatened species of plants and animals. The Town Council would like to contribute to efforts to improve this situation and has, therefore, reviewed how we manage the town field in order to see if this can be improved for the benefit of biodiversity.

In addition to this, the Town Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and, with support from ACE Monmouth, has produced an action plan to contribute to reducing global heating where we can. Improving the management of the town field is part of that action plan. We recognise that our actions alone will not resolve the world’s problems, but feel that an improvement to our local biodiversity will make a positive change.

What are the proposals?

In brief, we propose to reduce mowing of a section of the field, to promote it becoming a wildflower meadow over time. The remaining grassed area would continue to be mown as it is at present. Additionally, there would be some small-scale tree planting, addition of bird and bat boxes and widening of the hedgerow behind the rowing club. Full details are contained within the management plan, available from the Town Council office and website.

How will the proposals affect use of the town field?

We recognise the importance of the town field for dog walkers and for local families and visitors to enjoy. The proposed changes will not affect the use of the town field and will still allow the space to be used as a recreational space. It is proposed that the wildflower meadow is to be walked on and through so that users can continue to enjoy the space. Due to the hardiness of wildflowers, they will repair and regrow.

In addition, events that take place already will still be able to happen. We recognise that these are important events for the local community and want to ensure that any changes will not prevent the raft race, bonfire, regatta and other rowing events from taking place. We have discussed the proposals with representatives from Rotary Monmouth and Monmouth Rowing Club, who are happy that they will not affect their current activities.

Have your say…

Let us know what you think about the proposed town field management plan.

In-person at the Shire Hall:

5 February 4:30-6:00pm

or 

Please complete the questionnaire and send to townclerk@monmouth.gov.uk 

CONSULTATION CLOSING DATE:

THURSDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 2024

Town Field Biodiversity Report

Proposed Town Field Management Plan

Town Field Consultation Questionnaire

 

Key

Red dots - Bat boxes

White dots – Trees

Yellow dots – Bird boxes

CA – Composting area

WFM – Wildflower Meadow

HS – Hard standing

SG – Short grass

RB – Riverbank habitats

Purple circle – Position of bonfire.