The Lower Wye Valley Building Preservation Trust are working with Eyes on the Wye and the Salmon Association to record sewage pollution.

They have nine volunteers so far but seek more to make the rota sustainable. Teams are also forming along the Wye from Redbrook to Chepstow. The work involves checking overflow pipes and recording evidence of sewage. Full training is provided. Next month we will detail how we will use this evidence to campaign for Fryer’s Wharf. Please sign the petition at www.eyesonthewye.co.uk and email [email protected] if you would like to become a tester.

The Lower Wye Valley Building Preservation Trust’s recent event with master stonemason Andrew Ziminski sold-out - and it is wonderful to see growing interest in saving St Mary’s Church at Tintern and protecting its future.

Their next volunteer session at the church site is on 17 October, 10.30am–12.30pm. More eradication of bracken, but with advice from our structural engineer, they will carefully remove ivy at ground level, preparing the church for more extensive clearance by specialist contractors. No experience is needed — just enthusiasm, gloves and hand tools.

Andrew has visited more than 200 churches this year, and his entertaining and highly knowledgeable exploration of sacred architecture - our pagan wells, monuments and churches - clearly struck a chord. It was such a warm atmosphere that he has promised to return with Stronghold, an upcoming look at castles.

The Trust is a volunteer-led charity working to conserve St Mary’s Tintern and campaign to restore Fryer’s Wharf Slipway. Membership starts at £10, with benefits including priority booking and reduced tickets for Tintern Talks. Email [email protected] to join or volunteer and follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @lwvbpt. Donations to the St Mary’s campaign can be made by BACS or via www.justgiving.com/campaign/savestmarystintern (you can set any commission to 0%).