Month: August 2025

Abbey Dore

Abbey Dore

Abbey Dore

This walk took us to Herefordshire, where we parked outside Dore Abbey. Crossing the road a footpath went south across quite a steep field and signposts indicated that we were on the Herefordshire trail. Ewyas (pronounced you us) Harold Common presented us with a plethora of footpaths through dense, high bracken. Woodland areas have a tree canopy which is mainly English oak, silver birch, ash, sycamore, field maple and wych elm.

The common covers 50ha on a plateau above Herefordshire’s Golden Valley. Parts of the common are bounded by ancient sunken lanes, and other parts by medieval parish boundaries. All the common British reptiles have been found here including slow-worms and common lizards. A spring that rises on the common, through limestone outcrops, is known as St Martin’s well and it supplied water to many generations of people living close to the well. Several old boundary stones mark the border between Ewyas Harold and other parishes.

Emerging onto a hard track we could hear a horse and were surprised to see a lone horse with no rider trotting down the track. It seemed to follow us, but in a while the rest of the herd were spotted grazing on the common and the puzzle was solved.

We had views of the surrounding hills and the rolling English countryside. We passed through Ewyas Harold village where the primary school displayed a colourful wall of tiles created by the school pupils in 2017. The village boasted two pubs, a butcher, post office and other businesses. Outside one house ‘the old malthouse witch no. 29’ made from twigs, stood guard and fruit, vegetables and flowers were for sale with an honesty box.

Just outside the village a noticeboard declared that we were at the remains of Ewyas Harold Castle, which is believed to have been built by the Saxons before the Norman conquest. Today only earthworks remain. Nearby ‘Old King Street farm’ has holiday cottages where it is possible to walk with llamas.

Now we walked west and came across clusters of unusual fungi on large old trees. Herefordshire boasts a high concentration of ancient oak trees due to a combination of historical land management practices and the favourable conditions for oak growth in the region. Specifically, the Norman Conquest in 1066 led to the establishment of deer parks and royal forests, which, while intended for hunting, inadvertently preserved ancient oaks. These areas with their woodland and grazing practices, provided ideal habitats for oaks to thrive and reach great age.

The day had heated up and as we approached a trough, Misty – a spaniel decided it was time for a dip and instead of just taking a drink jumped into a trough. She gave us all a laugh.

We passed Dulas Court, originally a 16th century house; it was rebuilt in the mid-19th century and incorporates some of the original house – oak panels, Norman doorway. The original church was demolished and the site cleared to make a lawn! It is now a care home.

There is a dilapidated church down the road (closed and barriers surround it) where we stopped for lunch. The churchyard had a row of identical gravestones each of which was dedicated to a musician. They all died in the 1980s in their 80s and 90s; we wondered about their story. A military 1940s grave of someone from the Hereford regiment is pristine.

Now we entered a nature reserve and found ourselves climbing over some very high, slightly rickety, ladder stiles. After walking across open grassland, we realised why as a herd of deer ran in front of us!

A brief walk along the road past Abbey Dore Court brought us back to the beginning of our walk and the highlight of the day, Dore Abbey. There is free access, and we spent some time exploring the magnificent church. Established in 1147, it was founded by Cistercian monks from Morimond, France. The Abbey was dissolved in 1536, but Dore is the only Cistercian Abbey in the country still used for worship as a Parish church. The original medieval altar was found on a local farm being used for salting meat and making cheese. The Abbey expanded its land holdings, particularly through the acquisition of good quality farmland granted to them by King John in 1216. This enabled the Abbey to become wealthy especially through the sale of wool. It is well worth a visit.

A return to Ewyas Harold by car enabled us to enjoy refreshments in one of the village hostelries after a satisfying day.

Walk 6.7m 915ft Map OL13

 

Ian Moody And Gwenfô Gynt

HISTORY GROUP AT THE VILLAGE SHOW

Many thanks to everyone who expressed interest in the Gwenfô Gynt – The Wenvoe History Group table at the Village Show and who purchased a publication there, the Wenvoe Millennium Map, Wenvoe Past and Present and Wenvoe at War, publications that the late Ian Moody had played a major part in. If anyone couldn’t get to the village show and would like one of the publications and/or join our discussion group, please contact me on skjo@btinternet.com There was a great deal of interest at the Village Show, and as always a great event thanks to Glenys and Mike Tucker, I was pleased that we also made a small financial contribution to the expenses of running the show through the sale of the millennium map.

Some expressed interested in not just continuing with the recording of our local history but also in raising awareness in our environment through recognition of the heritage we have in the village, the buildings and connections with local people, and to guard against any erosion of what we have. I fully support this and agree it is an important activity that is also a continuous process of bringing village heritage to the attention of newcomers and new generations. As we were outside the Church Hall and close to the wheelwright’s shop, I was reminded of a book I had read many years ago called, The Wheelwright’s Shop by George Sturt. Originally published in 1923 it gives a vivid insight into traditional craftsmanship at the turn of the 20th century and the life and labours of a wheelwright in a small English village. A picture similar to that of Wenvoe where wheel-making was practised and in which village life and the rhythm of the rural countryside was impacted by change through industrialisation (a preview of this book can be seen on google books). Mike Tucker has also provided a view into this past through his displays of village farm machinery and tools.

At the Village Show, I talked about investigating the possibility of an historical panel in the village and will pursue this and in order to keep the momentum and discussion going intend to keep in touch through a What’s App group, with those who have given their contact details, and of course through Wenvoe What’s On.

Stephen K. Jones

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts – Are Thriving

 

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts – Are Thriving

1st Wenvoe

I am pleased to let you know that all three sections – Beavers, Cubs and Scouts – are currently thriving in Wenvoe. We have some new Leaders to join those who have been part of the group for a while. Of course, we can always use new volunteers both to work with the young people and to support the group and we do need a Treasurer to oversee the finances from our current incumbent.

In the summer we had a recap of the year and all the amazing things that the young people had done from hiking and outback cooking through to crafts and games. Outings included bouldering and visits to the Fire Station and Airport. The Scouts visited the Fish and Chip shops to find out which had the best chips and earned a Fish Supper from the winning group. All this, while learning new skills developing teamwork, getting badges and having fun.

As there are limited clubs or activities offered to the boys and girls locally, I am pleased that we have not had to suspend any of the sections due to a lack of volunteers. The beauty of Scouting is that it offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities that the young people and the volunteers can enjoy and adopt for their own interests.

I know that I, as a Beaver Leader for 20 years, learnt a lot from the experience. Yes, some of the sessions were challenging, but those where few and far between; the joy on the young faces and the friendship of the other leaders made it worthwhile.

I know my own children also enjoyed the experiences offered. They still enjoy camping holidays, following their experiences particularly in Scouts, under the leadership of Skip, Ian Moody. Sadly, Ian died recently after a short illness. He had been involved in the Wenvoe Scouts for over 40 years, and the Group owes him a huge thank you.

Let me know if you are interested in getting involved in the Wenvoe Group.

Jane Fenton-May, President

jfm@fenton-may.org

 

Wenvoe Community Orchid Field

Wenvoe Wildlife Group

Wenvoe Community Orchid Field

Once known as the Sledging Field, this meadow is now a Community Nature reserve with over 300 species of flowers, grasses, insects and birds. It is managed as a traditional meadow with an annual mowing to encourage the sort of wildflowers that are fast disappearing from our landscape.

The 5 acre field is surrounded by hedgerows and woodland and there are fine views from the higher points across the valley. On a clear day you can see Penarth and beyond that England across the Bristol Channel. There are several benches around the field, some in the sun, others in shade.

Mature trees enclose the site including Oak and Sweet Chestnut. A public right of way runs through the bottom of the meadow but you can follow any of the paths that meander around the field. An information sign near the entrance shows the different routes you can take.

In Winter look out for Ravens, Buzzards and Wood-peckers with Bullfinches patrolling the hedgerows. The bright red berries of Black Bryony still trail over the shrubs whilst rabbits and moles are in evidence.

With Spring comes masses of yellow – Primroses and Cowslips carpet the field.

From late Spring to early Autumn you can see seven different species of Orchid but the best time is June when the field is covered in several thousand Common Spotted Orchids.

Unusual plants include Herb Paris and the Spiked Star of Bethlehem. Shrews and Field Voles will be lurking in the undergrowth and Slowworms are common. Ringlet butterflies are on the field and Holly Blues on the hedges. Summer also sees a profusion of insects from small ladybirds and froghoppers through lacewings and scorpion flies to the larger burying beetles.

The Elephant Hawk Moth enjoys the big clumps of Rosebay Willowherb. Hoverflies roam
around the Brambles and pose on Fleabane.To find out more about insects and to get ideas on building homes for them visit Insectopia at the top of the field.

From late Summer the Black Knapweed which covers the meadow is host to large numbers of bees. On wet days, wander up to Molluscopolis where many of the secrets of slugs and snails are revealed. As they love damper weather you should find several different species.

How to find us.

Entering Wenvoe from the A4050 by the Walston Castle Premier Inn.

Turn right and then immediately left and follow the narrow lane to the top.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entering Wenvoe from the A4050 near the church.
Turn left by the church in to Walston Road, follow the road to the far end. Parking is on the road; take care not to cause an obstruction for local residents. Follow the marked footpath through the old quarry to the Orchid Field.

 

 

 

 

Want to know more?

The Upper Orchid Field is a meadow owned by the Vale of Glamorgan Council and managed by the Wenvoe Wildlife Group. If you need more information or would like to help with conservation, contact us at The Wenvoe Wildlife Group

Interested in bringing a group to the field?

We have hosted visits from younger age groups such as Beavers and Cubs and can help with school visits. Students and specialists should be able to find suitable topics for research. Species lists can be found on the main noticeboard on the field.

There are no facilities on site but there are two pubs nearby, the Horse and Jockey at Twyn-yr-Odyn and the Walston Castle in Wenvoe. Wenvoe has a village shop and Post Office

 

The Progress of Wenvoe

THE PROGRESS OF WENVOE

I took a stroll the other day,
And passing Wenvoe on my way
Was pleased to see such progress made,
As it is always good for trade.
I mean the village is so changed,
New houses built and well arranged,
The gardens and the walks so clean,
Which proves that some one lives within.
Ten years ago this village look’d dilapidated,

And men forsook the place,
And went to other soil
To get their bread by honest toil.
But now its progress is so great,
New houses built in every street,
That every man can work who will
According to his strength and skill.
Tis quite a treat for those who ride,
In brakes and traps to the seaside,
To pass this place, with meadows fair,
And peace and beauty everywhere.
The Church is getting much too small
To seat the people when they all
Come as they ought on Sunday there,
To spend the time in praise and prayer.
The tower is low, it has no pride,
But scaffolding now stands by its side,
And workmen soon will point its face
And raise its head to grace the place.

                  J.B.

Barry Dock News, 21st July 1893

Reflecting on the change and development of Wenvoe since 1893 you may wish to consider the poem’s relevance to the village as it is today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beauty And The Beast

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Whether you’re enjoying a ramble along this stretch of the Wales Coastal Path, enjoying a coffee or hot Welsh cakes from the café, or just stopped by to take in the views, Nash Point continues to wow visitors every day. With a large bedrock beach full of fossils and fertile rock pools, stunning rugged cliffs and rock formations, the views are topped off with the majestic Nash Point Light-house. In 1977 a rare plant, the Tuberous Thistle, was even discovered growing within the lighthouse station and the grounds were subsequently declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest. However Nash Point has a much darker, even tragic history, meaning walkers and seamen still need to keep their safety firmly in mind.
For those walking the coastal path the Summer experience, of course, changes dramatically in the Autumn when the reason for the Nash Point lighthouse becomes increasingly clear. Together with frequent storms and thick fog, the strong currents have led to many a shipping disaster with many vessels driven aground on the Nash Sands. There is in fact a long history of shipwrecks in the area. In 2019 excavations carried out near Nash Point by Cardiff University unearthed bones thought to be from ship-wreck victims from Tudor and Stuart times. There are many local tales of the period when smugglers and wreckers apparently lured vessels onto rocks, attacked the crew, and looted the cargo.

It was a shipping tragedy in 1831 which led to the building of the Nash Point lighthouse. Frolic was an early wooden, steam powered vessel based in Bristol and used for a cargo service between West Wales and Bristol. It was also one of the first paddle steamers to be operated in the Bristol Channel as a ferry service. Frolic was very popular because before the age of the railway it was quicker to travel by sea than road. It’s life came to a violent end whilst sailing from Haverfordwest during a violent storm on the night of 16th March. The 34 metre long ship came to grief on Nash sands at around 3.00 am. In all, 78 lives were lost, consisting of 63 passengers, including high ranking officers and a General, many women and children, and 15 crew. Their remains were washed ashore from Barry to Southerndown and buried in various churchyards along the coastal area of the Bristol Channel.

The public outcry at the loss of the Frolic led to the Nash Point Lighthouses at Marcross being built by Trinity House in 1832 to warn shipping of the danger. Originally, two towers 300 metres apart had fixed lights powered by paraffin. When navigating the Bristol Channel the pilot would sail so that these were lined up in his sights, ensuring that the vessel would be south of Nash Sandbank. The Lighthouse Tower (originally painted black and white stripes) near the lighthouse keepers’ cottages, once housed the west or low light and was 25 metres high. The Lighthouse Tower with the east or high light is 37 metres high and is nearer the fog horn. At the beginning of the 20th century the low light was removed and the high light was changed to a catadioptric lens with white and red group flashing. It was modernised again in 1968 when it was electrified. Interestingly Nash Point Light-house was the last manned lighthouse in Wales to go automatic when it became computer controlled in 1998 and the keepers left two years later. The fog horn is no longer used for shipping purposes but is heard when it is sounded on special occasions.
Shipwrecks and other related debris still litter the beaches and coastal waters. In 1948 there were 24 notified wrecks in the Bristol Channel. By 1950, 14 had been cleared by either demolition charges being placed on board, or if sunk on a muddy bottom, by placing explosive charges around them, and covering them by exploding the charges and depositing a thick layer of mud over them. One ship, a tanker of over 10,000 tons that was sunk off Nash Point, required the use of 129 tons of explosives by HMS Tronda to break-up the wreck. We were given a sharp and somewhat surprising reminder of just how strong the Bristol Channel currents can be in 2004. After the flood disaster at Boscastle, Corn-wall in that year, a boat from the area washed ashore at Porthcawl and along the Heritage Coast a number of different items were found such as “Boscastle Tourist,” “Fish & Chips” and “Car Park” signs.

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