FOR families eager to give children some fresh air in a natural environment, Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny, is the ideal place to go.

Goytre Wharf is an eight acre site popular with children of all ages.

The visitor centre at the Wharf enables them to learn about the history of the industrial period.

They can visit the tramroad exhibition and see what life was like for the people and animals at that time.

Children can learn about the natural environment of the canal and also about the rich variety of wildlife which lives in the area.

If children walk along the canal bank and keep their eyes peeled they may glimpse a water vole, an otter or a number of other insects and birds.

Families can hire a pleasure boat and take a trip down the canal.

Then they can visit the picnic area or tea rooms for lunch.

Children can learn about the past and at the same time learn how to play their part in maintaining the canals and looking after the wildlife for the future.

The play area and large green fields give children the space to play and run about in the fresh air.

Visitors can buy a keepsake from the souvenir shop to remind them of their day.

On February 15 and 16 children can visit Goytre Wharf and make nesting boxes for birds.

They will be able to take them home to put them into their garden.

Experts will also be on hand to tell children more about birds and their environment. Goytre Wharf is open 10am to 5pm every day and is signposted from the A4042 road between Pontypool and Abergavenny.

For more information call 01873 881069.