I had never heard of the Living Levels project until I attended a meeting at NRW Pye Corner in 2018. The 'Gwent Now' Police email headlined it as a meeting on fly-tipping; I was very interested in this topic as the area in which I live on the Wentlooge Levels suffers badly from this nuisance.
The meeting room was full and I signed up to receive further information about the project. A newsletter was sent out and a piece about volunteering to do history research seemed interesting to me. The timing was good as I had just retired from work; I also had a great interest in the area as I had spent my early life on my grandfather's farm at Rumney and I owned some land at Marshfield - all contained within the Wentlooge Levels.
As I learned more about the Living Levels Project and all that it encompassed I became very enthusiastic and totally committed to spreading the word to anyone that listens! I keep my local shop stocked with information leaflets and brochures of events, I will put up posters that advertise forthcoming events and basically do anything to help spread the word.
Part of the project is to re-engage people with their landscape and it certainly has done that for me. I just keep thinking why wasn't something like this ever done before!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the RATS history group and learned so much during the process of research and our sessions with Rose Hewlett. I have met some great and interesting people who have become good friends.
The coronavirus lockdown has unfortunately stifled the project at the moment; this has been very disappointing as I miss all the events and people associated with running the project. I hope that we can make up for our lost time in the coming months.
Cath Davis
For general queries about volunteering with Living Levels, please contact the Living Levels Volunteer Coordinator, Beccy Williams: rwilliams@gwentwildlife.org