Rodborough Fields & Frome Banks
We are pleased to announce that the community purchase of Lot 1 Rodborough Fields has now been completed. We have been heartened by the support for the campaign to secure the future of land above the River Frome. Thank you everyone!
The group will continue working with the community, local landowners and other local community groups and charities to develop a long term management plan.
The group is still actively looking for donations and support from the community.
Donations are needed
Following the fantastic news that our purchase of Lot 1 – the 9.42-acre meadow and woodland between Arundel Drive and the River Frome – has been completed we still need your online & offline donations.
We still need your help, and we hope all those who support our aims will continue to help us spread the word about our appeal to improve the land and bring further parts of Rodborough Fields and Frome Banks into public ownership.
“Now that the purchase is completed, further donations are definitively still needed to help provide a secure future for this important green space, ensuring that we do not have to rely on bridging loans, and have the funds to meet our aims of boosting biodiversity and providing community access.”
The team have been working hard in the background to prepare to complete the purchase smoothly and in a financially-sound way, including:
- Becoming a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation).
- Formalising our structure by electing a board of trustees.
- Consulting on future management plans.
- Working on a costed three-year business plan ready for long term stewardship.
Rodborough Fields and Frome Banks Preservation Group
To help preserve this area of natural beauty, as a green space for wildlife and for the people of Stroud.
Offline donations
We can also receive cheques payable to:
Rodborough Fields and Frome Banks Preservation Group
which can be delivered to the Rodborough Community Hall, Butterrow West, Rodborough, Stroud GL5 3TZ
Please consider completing a Gift Aid declaration, which can increase the value of your donations by 25% if you are a UK resident taxpayer.
Community ownership will open the area up for recreational use, encourage biodiversity, provide numerous educational opportunities and amenity
The location
To the west these fields border land between Rodborough Avenue and Wallbridge – land already acquired by Rodborough Parish Council for the community.
To the north is the River Frome and Frome Banks Nature Reserve, now owned and maintained by Stroud Valleys Project with permissive public access.
To the east the fields connect to footpaths leading over the River Frome to Capel's Mill and on to the Thames & Severn Canal with it’s towpath leading towards Thrupp, Brimscombe & Chalford.
Rodborough Fields & Frome Banks are woven into the historical, social, physical and emotional fabric of Stroud & the Five Valleys
Heritage
The fields are the site of a Medieval ridge and furrow farming system.
They are the racking fields' shown in the significant historical painting of Stroud, where cloth from the dye-works at Capel's Mill was dried in rows on tenterhooks.
Key Wildlife Site
Rodborough Fields and Frome Banks cannot be taken in isolation - together they are a key wildlife site.
The fields are a fine example of a traditional hay meadow.
They have never had artificial fertiliser applied to them and are ablaze in the summer with wild flowers such as Ox-eye Daisy, Buttercup, Knapweed and Clover, attracting many species of butterfly and other insects.
The clear, unpolluted waters of the Frome and its wonderful tree-lined banks provide for birds including Kingfisher, Dipper and Grey Wagtail.
Mammals include several species of Bat and Otter.
How you can help
The group is still actively looking for donations
– and for support from the community.
Following the fantastic news that our purchase of Lot 1 – the 9.42-acre meadow and woodland between Arundel Drive and the River Frome – has been completed we are still appealing for donations.
Please continue to spread the word and get in touch if you wish to help.
Thank you again for your generous pledges, and your patience as we awaited the outcome of the bid.
Donate now
Complete our donation form if you wish to help fund the community management of the land.
Spread the word!
Please ask your friends, family and neighbours to donate & support.
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