LEARNING LANDSCAPES OPEN DAY

BLAENAVON WORLD HERITAGE CENTRE

SATURDAY 2^nd APRIL 2011, 9am – 5pm

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the history, wildlife or geology of the area then this is your chance. Come along to Blaenavon World Heritage Centre to find out more about the brand new community learning courses on offer through the University of Wales Newport and Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust.

The Learning Landscapes Open Day will include a series of informal talks, walks and workshops. Tutors will be available at the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre all day to discuss the exciting new learning opportunities available.

Walks

Our walks programme kicks off at 9am with Blaenavon Town Tour: ‘Through the eyes of Lewis Browning’ a nineteenth century resident of the town.

From 10am - 12 noon  discover the Hidden Archaeology of the World Heritage Site on a walk with an archaeologist.

Finally from 2 - 4pm tutors from University of Wales Newport will introduce you to the Wildlife of the World Heritage Site.

Talks

Alongside the guided walks programme there will also be talks on Geology and Ecology (starting at 10am) and Local History (2pm)

All activities are Free with no booking necessary. For more information please go to www.visitblaenavon.co.uk or contact Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, telephone 01495 742333

Reedbed Update

Following on from the previous post I can now report that we're one step closer to creation of  a new reedbed in the Forgotten Landscapes area. Over 2 days (Friday 4th and Saturday 5th March) a team of volunteers and staff planted around 11,000 reed seedlings in the first phase of planting at the site - a further 13,000 reeds will be added in the summer. As the reedbed matures it is hoped that it will provide a rich habitat and encourage new wildlife to the area.

A good time was had by all - regardless of the mud! Here's what some of the volunteers had to say:

“I would recommend it to anyone, it is brilliant being able to see that you are making a difference – it is very rewarding.” (Rob Gillard)

“I feel quite privileged to have been able to help put something back into such a lovely area.” (Audrey Woodrow)

Projects such as this one can only be achived thanks to the suppport of volunteers. If you want to find out more about future volunteering  opportunities  please contact Sarah Lewis 01495 742335 or sarah.lewis@torfaen.gov.uk