Friends of Castle Meadows have organised a series of free guided walks for spring and summer, suitable for all ages.

Volunteers in the Friends’ group maintain the meadows - which were the main venue for the 2016 National Eisteddfod and hold a Green Flag award - in partnership with Monmouthshire County Council’s Countryside Service.

On Saturday, April 15, Fiona Ford will share stories about myths and stories connected with the plants found there. Meet at 10am in the Byfield Lane car park. If you would like to learn more beforehand, Fiona will be giving a talk on the same subject to the Abergavenny branch of the Gwent Wildlife Trust at St Michael’s Centre, Abergavenny, on Tuesday, April 4 at 7.30pm. This talk has a £2 entry fee.

Learn about the formation of Castle Meadows on Saturday, April 29 with a geology walk. The leader is Alan Underwood. Meet at 10am at the Byfield Lane carpark.

On Saturday, May 13, there’s a bird walk with ornithologist Steve Butler and a chance to see sand martins feeding their young. Meet at 9am in the Byfield Lane carpark.

See the flowers and plants on the meadows with guide Sheelagh Kerry on Saturday, June 10. Meet at 10am in the Byfield Lane carpark

There’s fun for the whole family with a pond dipping session with Rebecca Ward on Saturday, June 24 between 2pm and 4pm. Meet at 2pm at the Mill Street entrance.

On Saturday, July 15, Rebecca with other Gwent Wildlife Trust staff will lead a ‘Bug and insect hunt’. Meet at the Byfield Lane car park at 2pm.

All walks usually last between two and three hours. Please wear suitable footwear. Walks are suitable for disabled dependent on weather conditions. Mobility scooters can be booked in advance from Abergavenny Shopmobility on 0800 298 3656. Walks may be cancelled due to weather conditions. For updates, please check friendsofcastlemeadows.wordpress.com/