Barecroft Common

Downs, Moorland in Monmouthshire

Wales

Barecroft Common

The Brinker, Magor Marsh The 2.5m high sculpture represents Anne Williams who lived around 1700.
She was a brinker, a person who owned land on one side of a reen (drainage ditch) and was responsible for its maintenance.
The sculpture is built on a steel framework using steamed white and brown willow to provide colour and texture.
The Brinker was designed and built by Sarah Hatton and Melanie Bastier as part of the Living Levels project. — The Brinker, Magor Marsh Credit: Robin Drayton

Barecroft Common, located in Monmouthshire, is a vast expanse of untouched wilderness that showcases the natural beauty of the area. Nestled amidst the rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes of southeast Wales, this common is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, Barecroft Common offers a diverse range of habitats, including downs and moorland. The downs, characterized by their gently sloping grassy hills, provide an ideal grazing ground for local wildlife such as sheep and ponies. These downs also offer fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a favorite spot for photographers and hikers.

Moving towards the moorland section, visitors are greeted by a more rugged and untamed environment. Here, heather, gorse, and other wildflowers dominate the landscape, painting it in vibrant hues throughout the year. This moorland is home to a variety of bird species, including buzzards, kestrels, and stonechats, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.

Barecroft Common is not only a natural wonder but also holds historical significance. The remains of ancient settlements and burial mounds can be found scattered across the common, providing a glimpse into the area's rich cultural heritage.

Access to Barecroft Common is available through a network of footpaths and bridleways, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the unspoiled beauty of the area. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a horseback ride, or a picnic in the great outdoors, Barecroft Common offers an immersive and unforgettable experience for all who venture into its captivating embrace.

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Barecroft Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.5771/-2.8448655 or Grid Reference ST4186. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Brinker, Magor Marsh

The 2.5m high sculpture represents Anne Williams who lived around 1700. She was a brinker, a person who owned land on one side of a reen (drainage ditch) and was responsible for its maintenance. The sculpture is built on a steel framework using steamed white and brown willow to provide colour and texture. The Brinker was designed and built by Sarah Hatton and Melanie Bastier as part of the Living Levels project.

Robin Drayton

A view from the bird hide, Magor Marsh

There are several little egrets in the trees and shrubs on the far side of the lake. Just to the left of centre there is a glimpse of a gantry for power lines for the South Wales Mainline.

Robin Drayton

Purple loosestrife, Magor Marsh

Magor Marsh was obtained in 1963 by the Gwent Wildlife Trust as its first reserve. It is the last relatively natural area of fenland on the Gwent Levels. In 2014, part of it was under the threat of compulsory purchase from the Welsh Government’s proposed M4 Relief Road development. This project was later abandoned in 2019. However there have subsequently been some suggestions from the UK government that the project should go ahead. It is within the area of The Living Levels Landscape Partnership, a Heritage Lottery Funded Landscape Partnership scheme, which aims to reconnect people and communities to the Gwent Levels landscape and provide a sustainable future for this historic and unique area.

Robin Drayton

Hemp agrimony, Magor Marsh

Together with hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium).

Robin Drayton

A board walk, Magor Marsh

Approaching some hay meadows

Robin Drayton

Pond dipping area, Magor Marsh

Overlooked by the Brinker Link .

Robin Drayton

A closer look at The Brinker, Magor Marsh

Robin Drayton

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This damaged OS cut mark can be found on the west parapet of the railway bridge. It marks a point 12.719m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This OS cut mark can be found on the SW face of St Mary's Church. It marks a point 12.238m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This OS cut mark can be found on the west angle of The Wheatsheaf Inn. It marks a point 10.991m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This OS cut mark can be found on Magor Motors. It marks a point 8.821m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Picnic area, Magor Services on M4

The banner suggests that the area is accessible to wheelchairs, but there is no hard standing and the tables are not adapted for wheelchairs.

David Smith

Double-headed 40s at Magor

Preserved class 40 locomotives Nos. D213 and D345 double-head the Devonian Double railtour from Preston to Plymouth at Magor.

Gareth James

Magor Motorway Services on the M4

Eirian Evans

Magor - Procurator's House

Ruins of Magor Mansion could date back as far as the 14th century and is sited next to the parish church. Any procurator would have collected rents and tithes. Link

Colin Smith

Magor - Parish Church

"The Church of St Mary, the Virgin, known locally as the 'Cathedral of the Moors' was founded in the 7th century by Cadwaladr Fendigaid and stands above the fenland and the road to Aberwythel, Magor's long vanished port. No traces of the early church remain and the present building was built mainly in the 13th century and 15th century although some early Romanesque work dating from the 12th century is to be seen in the north wall of the chancel". Link

Colin Smith