The Friends of Linda Vista Gardens have been hard at work rescuing a bank in the park from the ‘invasive thugs off the plant world - and their efforts are finally reaping rewards.

The bank - which is just inside the gates from the Byefield Lane carpark on the righthand side - used to be covered in coarse rye grass, dandelions, three-cornered leek, creeping buttercup and the like.

But, over the past two years, the Friends, with assistance from Monmouthshire County Council, have largely removed these invaders and sown wild-grass seeds in their place.

The seed mixture includes three kinds of Fescue, Small Timothy (or Smaller Catstail), Smooth-Stalked Meadow Grass and Browntop Bent.

The bank is already becoming green and in amongst the sprouting grass are small clumps of snowdrops that will increase and spread down the bank in years to come.

Later this year, the Friends will plant plugs of perennial wild flowers in the grass as well, and have plans to create a path to rise up and round the bank, with a bench at the top.

If you would like to help with this and other projects, you’re invited to join the Friends any Thursday at 10 o’clock, preferably armed with a trowel! Alternatively email [email protected] or phone 01873 737671.