ONE of the most magical places in Monmouthshire – the Gwent Levels – is the subject of this week’s lecture to Monmouth History and Field Society.

Author, journalist and broadcaster Marsha O’Mahony – whose previous work includes River Voices, an oral history of the River Wye – will be talking about her just-published book called This Stolen Land.

The illustrated talk on the “people’s history of the Levels” is at the Priory (next to St Mary’s) at 7pm on Friday (November 15) and is open to all (£5 on the night).

The Levels, on the banks of the Severn, have a fascinating history, revealed by some exciting archaeology.

Prehistoric people literally left their footprints in the mud, while the Romans continued the age-old struggle to reclaim land from the sea for farming and their pattern of drainage “reens” are still in use.

The Levels, the scene in 1607 of one of Britain’s greatest natural disasters, are also famous for their wetland ecology.

If you haven’t seen a lapwing or a water vole in a long time, it’s the place to go.

Monmouth History’s £10 annual subscription covers the winter lecture programme, summer outings and the summer drinks party (an all-day coach outing to Salisbury next July is extra).

To join, please email [email protected] or ring 01600 715076.