Monmouthshire Outdoor Learning Wales Network Group Meeting
Magor Primary School
10th February 2015 – 4pm
Minutes
1. Welcome, introductions and apologies:
Present:
Mark Langley (MCC), Kerrie Grosevnor (Goytre Fawr Primary) Tim Bennett (NT) and Haf Leyshon (NRW)
Apologies:
Mostyn Jones (Castle Park Primary) Helen John (Magor Primary), Simon Giles (Pembroke Primary) Kathy
Barclay (GWT), Helen Burnell (Llanfoist Fawr Primary), Sue Kennet (Talybont OEC), Viv Evans (St Mary’s
primary)
2. Matters arising from the last minutes:
All Minutes agreed and actions completed
3. Finance update:
Bank Account update £86.85
4. Current projects:
Small Grant Ideas - £200
 To combine with Newport Network Groups in order to run a Music in the outdoor Workshop at Magor
Marsh
 This will be run on Saturday 13th June 2015
 Free course for all to attend
 Booked on a first come first serve basis – Contact Haf to book onto sessions ASAP
Mark/Simon – Can you complete a small grant form off the OLW website and send through to Karen
for approval
5. Future projects:
To be discussed at future meetings
6. Updates from those present:
Goytre Fawr
 Pause on FS until after May tests
 Has been building a natural fence in the school grounds with groups. Materials was from Tim at
National Trust
Monmouthshire CC
 Will be running Bioblitz events at Monmouth for 2 days with comprehensive schools, and 1 day with
primary schools there – 24th-26th June
 Will be running a Bioblitz style event with schools at Castle Meadows in Abergavenny on the 5 th
June
OLW Network Group Minutes
Last Updated March 2014


Hoping to set up ‘Friends of…’ community groups at Roiget and Warrenslade woodlands and
incorporating schools in this also
Working with the Building bridges group at Monmouth
National Trust
 Has been running easter events at St Mary’s Vale forest at Skirrid
 Will be running similar events throughout the summer – Wild Wednesdays – and a Father’s Day
Event
 Please check out the National trust facebook page for more details or contact Tim Bennett
 Booking necessary
7. Local and National updates:
Outdoor Learning Wales (OLW) –
 Website now up and running – please visit at www.outdoorlearningwales.org
 There is a facebook page that everyone can follow ‘Outdoor Learning Wales Network’ which has lots
of regular updates on activities, courses and NRW Education staff. It is a closed group, but you are
free to request to join and will be accepted.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) –
 The education team are running as usual with lots of visits available to local environments. These
can include grasslands, nature reserves, woodlands, rivers, lakes and many more. These activities
can be tailored to anything you are doing in school. If you would like any further information please
contact haf.leyshon@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Lots of teacher training events coming up:
- 3rd June – Tredegar House – Water Science in the outdoors
- 24th September – Monmouthshire area – TBA
These sessions are FREE, for more information or to book on please contact Sarah
Jones at sarah.jones@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
AOB
Size of Wales – Nigel Little - Free Assemblies and workshops available
First Aid Training with outdoor elements – Andrew Jones – Contact Sarah Jones (email above) for more
information 21st and 22nd May 2015
8. Date and venue of next meeting:
2nd June 2015 – Pembroke Primary (TBC)
OLW Network Group Minutes
Last Updated March 2014