Goytre Wharf Literacy Sculpture Trail

The project started with an idea to produce a literacy trail based at Goytre Wharf on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal between Abergavenny and Pontypool.

Designed for primary school children the aim would be to “stimulate children as storytellers and writers: to enrich and enhance their literacy skills”.

Forest Education Initiative formed a partnership with support from British Waterways, Forestry Commission Wales, Monmouthshire County Council and Careers Wales Gwent.

Grants were obtained from forest Education Initiative and British Waterways. Careers Wales Gwent helped pay for the teacher placements and in kind worked came from Monmouthshire County Council and the Forestry Commission.

Four wood sculptors were interviewed and as a result local sculptor, John Hobbs was commissioned to produce sculptures on a literacy theme for the trail from locally sourced timber.

Six local teachers produced activities for the trail and linked them to the National Curriculum.

The trail route was risk assessed and dangerous trees removed. The surface of the trail was improved.

There was a launch of the 1230 metre circular trail in April of 2005 and the route is now available for schools and the general public to enjoy.