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South Wales Argus
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
We visit Tredegar House's 'Summer of Play' for summer fun
Located within the beautiful and expansive grounds of the historic 17th century mansion leased by the National Trust, the Summer of Play involves a sensory-rich experience for children of all ages. A child playing in the sand at Tredegar House (Image: National Trust Images / James Beck) The courtyard, overlooked by the impressive stately home, is adorned with colourful bunting and creates the atmosphere of a typical seaside holiday. A large sand-pit complete with buckets and spades is surrounded by comfy deck-chairs, allowing parents to soak up the sun while keeping an eye on the kids. Tredegar House has partly been turned into a beach (Image: National Trust Images / James Beck) There is a range of interactive games and activities such as hoopla, child-sized beach huts and even a role-play ice-cream shop. There are also plenty of umbrellas and tents to shelter from the summer heat (or summer rain!). This new family- friendly experience is due to run again next summer as well as the summer after. There is even an ice cream parlour for little ones to play in (Image: National Trust Images / James Beck) General Manager of the South East Wales Portfolio of National Trust, Lizzie Smith Jones said: "To see everyone, from grandparents to toddlers, enjoying a Summer of Play at Tredegar House fills me and the team with so much joy. "The idea of bringing a beach here came to me while sitting on the sand in St Ives, Cornwall - surrounded by laughter and the simple sounds of families spending time together. It's wonderful to experience the beach in an urban setting, while taking in the view of the 17th-century mansion. "I feel we've truly captured the spirit of the seaside, creating moments steeped in nostalgia. It really is a celebration of everything we love about summer, and we hope everyone will visit." A child playing in the ice cream parlour (Image: National Trust Images / James Beck) There is plenty of space to lay your picnic blankets in Tredegar's picturesque gardens filled with shady trees, tropical plants and a beautiful lake. The family fun continues inside Tredegar House itself where little ones can play-dress up in costumes as kings and queens and get their regal photos taken. For older visitors (and younger too) take a trip into the past by walking around the beautiful Tredegar House and learn about its rich history. Its plethora of rooms have been preserved with original paintings and ornate furniture. Children are encouraged to get involved with the history of Tredegar House (Image: National Trust Images / James Beck) Different rooms are presented as they would have been throughout the centuries from the medieval era, 17th century, Victorian and even up to the 1960s when it was used as a girls boarding school. This welcoming and delightful programme is free of charge to National Trust members and available to locals at a discounted rate with the Local Residents Pass. The pass grants unlimited entry to the whole estate for your household. After the event finishes for the autumn, Tredegar House plans to run a Remembrance programme recognising 80 years since VE day. Tredegar House is set to host a celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day at the end of the summer (Image: NQ) Due to the estate's rich World War II history, where Tredegar House served as a GI base, the National Trust wishes to showcase the presence of the American soldiers all those years ago. As well as their Remembrance programme, Tredegar House are organising October half-term activities centred around their Welsh pixie character, Ruby. The National Trust estate is also planning to construct a new play area, which will be free of charge to use.
South Wales Argus
08-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Tredegar House to be transformed into bumblebee sanctuary
Tredegar House in Newport is part of a new project by National Trust Cymru and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust to protect declining bumblebee species, including the rare shrill carder bee (Bombus sylvarum). The estate, located on the Gwent Levels, is one of just five areas in Wales and England where the shrill carder bee still survives. Chris Flynn, head gardener at Tredegar House, said: "We are pleased to be working alongside the Bumblebee Conservation Trust on this important conservation project. "Bumblebees urgently need our help, and we want to ensure species such as the shrill carder can continue to thrive here at Tredegar House." Orchard Garden in Tredegar House, on the Gwent Levels, one of five areas in England and Wales where the rare shrill carder bee still survives (Image: James Beck) The work is part of the Natur am Byth programme, Wales' largest-ever species recovery initiative, funded by the Welsh Government and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Planned habitat improvements will take place across 90 acres of gardens and parkland at Tredegar House, focusing on the creation of flower-rich meadows to support the shrill carder and other pollinators. Mr Flynn said: "Our aim is to enhance the diversity of plants in the garden, thoughtfully extending flowering periods throughout the year to provide crucial nectar sources from early spring through to late autumn. "We are carefully introducing nectar-rich grassland plants such as cowslip, crocus, snake's head fritillary, red clover, ivy, and bird's-foot trefoil. "We hope these subtle, yet significant changes continue to support and attract bumblebees and other pollinators, while also enriching the beauty and biodiversity of our gardens for everyone to enjoy." Other bumblebee species expected to benefit include the brown-banded carder bee and the more common garden bumblebee. To monitor the impact of the project, National Trust staff and volunteers have joined the Bumblebee Conservation Trust's BeeWalk scheme, a citizen science programme that collects monthly bumblebee sightings from March to October. Tom Bucher-Flynn, shrill carder bee project officer for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, said: "We're delighted to announce that National Trust Cymru and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust are teaming up at Tredegar House."
Scoop
05-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Youth Take Root: A Rocha Aotearoa Planting 1,500 Trees For World Vision 40 Hour Challenge
Press Release – World Vision A Rocha Aotearoa is undertaking a massive tree planting drive in Auckland and Christchurch on Saturday, 14 June to seed more than 1,500 trees to support this year's World Vision 40 Hour Challenge. The Christian environmental organisation will gather Youth Groups from across the country to roll up their sleeves and plant native trees to raise funds to support the one in six children in the Pacific who face severe food insecurity due to climate change. James Beck from A Rocha Aotearoa says, ' By partnering with World Vision, we're giving young people an opportunity to plant hope – quite literally – by restoring native bush and improving biodiversity. The climate crisis can feel overwhelming – but small, local actions really do add up. This is about more than planting trees – it's about planting seeds of justice, hope, and resilience.' In Auckland, the teams of young people will gather to plant at Unsworth Reserve in Unsworth Heights to restore the ecological balance of the reserve, contributing to a healthier urban environment. They will have support from World Vision, the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network, and local churches. In Christchurch, youth will gather at South Shore Spit Reserve—an internationally significant ecological site—to help regenerate native vegetation and protect habitats for migratory birds. The project will be run in collaboration with the Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust, Christchurch City Council, and forms part of A Rocha's Good News Project, which equips young people to care for creation as an expression of their faith. World Vision Associate National Director TJ Grant says the organisation values partnerships with organisations like A Rocha. He says through activities, like planting native trees and raising funds for communities affected by climate change, the partnership demonstrates that local action can have a global impact. It's a powerful example of hope, connection, and doing good—together. ' These tree planting events are a powerful example of hope, connection, and doing good—together. We know that climate change isn't just a distant issue—it's something we can respond to in our own communities and on behalf of our neighbours across the Pacific. Whether you're planting trees, taking on a personal 40 Hour Challenge, or donating, every action counts.' Youth groups interested in participating in either of the events can register online through A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand. To learn more about the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, visit
Scoop
05-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Youth Take Root: A Rocha Aotearoa Planting 1,500 Trees For World Vision 40 Hour Challenge
A Rocha Aotearoa is undertaking a massive tree planting drive in Auckland and Christchurch on Saturday, 14 June to seed more than 1,500 trees to support this year's World Vision 40 Hour Challenge. The Christian environmental organisation will gather Youth Groups from across the country to roll up their sleeves and plant native trees to raise funds to support the one in six children in the Pacific who face severe food insecurity due to climate change. James Beck from A Rocha Aotearoa says, ' By partnering with World Vision, we're giving young people an opportunity to plant hope – quite literally – by restoring native bush and improving biodiversity. The climate crisis can feel overwhelming – but small, local actions really do add up. This is about more than planting trees – it's about planting seeds of justice, hope, and resilience.' In Auckland, the teams of young people will gather to plant at Unsworth Reserve in Unsworth Heights to restore the ecological balance of the reserve, contributing to a healthier urban environment. They will have support from World Vision, the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network, and local churches. In Christchurch, youth will gather at South Shore Spit Reserve—an internationally significant ecological site—to help regenerate native vegetation and protect habitats for migratory birds. The project will be run in collaboration with the Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust, Christchurch City Council, and forms part of A Rocha's Good News Project, which equips young people to care for creation as an expression of their faith. World Vision Associate National Director TJ Grant says the organisation values partnerships with organisations like A Rocha. He says through activities, like planting native trees and raising funds for communities affected by climate change, the partnership demonstrates that local action can have a global impact. It's a powerful example of hope, connection, and doing good—together. ' These tree planting events are a powerful example of hope, connection, and doing good—together. We know that climate change isn't just a distant issue—it's something we can respond to in our own communities and on behalf of our neighbours across the Pacific. Whether you're planting trees, taking on a personal 40 Hour Challenge, or donating, every action counts.' Youth groups interested in participating in either of the events can register online through A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand. To learn more about the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, visit
