People with an interest in Stroud’s commons are invited to the Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Advisory Committee (MRCAC) spring event on Wed 18 March from 7pm at Rodborough Community Hall.
The event will provide an opportunity to hear from guest speakers Prof Chris Short, Chair of the Foundation for Common Land, and MRCAC Vice-Chair Dr Sharon Gardham, as well as meeting representatives of the committee and National Trust team.
Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons comprise more than 700 acres of open space, and are recognised as of national and international importance for their limestone grassland. The National Trust has owned and maintained Minchinhampton Common since 1913 and Rodborough Common since 1937 and works to protect the landscape, ecology and archaeology of the area.
The Minchinhampton & Rodborough Commons Advisory Committee brings together volunteers, councillors and other stakeholders who represent communities who enjoy the commons, working together with the National Trust to protect these important places for the future.
Attendees at the committee’s spring event will feature special talks from Prof Chris Short, Chair of the Foundation for Common Land and Associate Professor in Environmental Governance at the University of Gloucestershire and Dr Sharon Gardham, discussing the history of the commons and her PhD thesis Becoming Good Neighbours: How the model of English common land can inspire equitable and sustainable multi-species relationships.
The evening will also include opportunities to learn more about how to support the work on the commons, including finding out more about becoming a “Dog Ambassador” volunteer with the National Trust.
The event is free with limited spaces, available for pre-booking on the National Trust website here.
Refreshments will be provided.
Ceridwen Massey, Chair of the Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Advisory Committee said: “Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons are a precious resource, one of just a handful of areas of common land which have remained unenclosed since the last Ice Age. They are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Area of Conservation and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
“Our committee brings together volunteers and representatives of a range of local organisations, working together with the National Trust to protect these important natural spaces. We are delighted to be joined by speaker Prof Chris Short, Chair of the Foundation for Common Land for our spring event, bringing his valuable insight about environmental governance and common land in general.
“We hope that anyone with an interest in the commons will join us at Rodborough Community Hall for what promises to be a fascinating evening.”
National Trust Visitor Experience Manager Max Biddlestone said:”We are delighted to be supporting the Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Advisory Committee’s spring event. The committee help to support our management of these important green spaces and keeping us aware of issues affecting the commons.
“The spring event promises to be an interesting exploration of the commons and common land in general, and a good opportunity for our team to meet people who love the commons and share opportunities to get involved in our work across Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons.”
