About Us
Friends of Castle Meadows
Friends of Castle Meadows was established in 2012 by a group of dedicated volunteers committed to preserving this unique site. Covering 22 hectares, Castle Meadows is a lowland floodplain meadow situated alongside the River Usk, just 400 yards from the market town of Abergavenny.
Castle Meadows offers a warm welcome to walkers, dog walkers, and cyclists. This beautiful amenity is free to enjoy, easily accessible, and teeming with birds, insects, wildlife, and wildflowers, some of which are rare and endangered.
Throughout the meadows, you’ll find numerous seats where you can relax and enjoy the tranquillity. Join us in preserving this natural haven and enjoy the serene beauty of Castle Meadows.
Wildlife
The meadows are managed traditionally, being left to grow through spring and early summer. They are then mowed and the hay is collected for animal feed. Through the second half of the year, cattle graze the meadows to keep the grass short, this system favours spring flowers.
Cows play a vital role in the traditional upkeep of water meadows, maintaining a balanced ecosystem that supports our rare insects and plants. A visit to Big Pond is highly recommended, where you can observe dragonflies and damselflies dancing over the water.
Having grassland, hedges and wooded areas, next to a river, the meadows attract a wide range of birds.If you visit the archives you see lists of the moths, molluscs, beetles, bees and butterflies, dragonflies and other invertebrates found in and around the meadows. There are shorter lists of the fish, amphibian and mammal species.
A botanical survey in 2013 found that this regime had succeeded in increasing the diversity of plant species in the meadows and should be continued. A botanical Survey in 2023 found changes in the variety of species in the meadows. Visit the meadows in May or June to see them at their best.
*Please note that cattle graze in the meadows from July until December. We kindly ask all visitors to respect the cattle and calves and to avoid approaching them while they are grazing.
Walks and Talks
Our volunteers also organise a variety of educational talks led by experts and professionals, all free of charge. These talks usually take place on Saturday mornings and cover a wide range of topics related to the environment, wildlife, and conservation.
Additionally, we offer expert-led bat walks in the evenings, providing a unique opportunity to learn about and observe these fascinating nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat.
Meet the Volunteers
Our volunteers meet on the first Saturday of each month at 10am, as well as on alternate Thursdays of each month at 10am. Our primary goals include maintaining and restoring Castle Copse, expanding the woodlands by planting native saplings, and fostering community engagement by encouraging visits and enjoyment of the meadows.
We Work With
