A group of children from Stroud Woodcraft Folk took part in a sponsored walk to raise money for the local environmental charity Stroud Valleys Project.
The group of families with children aged 1-10 walked laps of Stratford Park to show their support for the vital work SVP does in the local community.
SVP has a programme of special events and regular sessions for staff and volunteers, including tree planting, wildlife walks and wetland management.
‘We’ve been lucky enough to have SVP facilitate several sessions for our groups. We wanted to show our support so we thought of turning one of our regular meet-ups into a space to raise some funds for them’. Explains Martha Sheppard (Woodcraft Folk volunteer). ‘It’s so important to engage our children with the natural world and help them find a way to contribute to the protection and enhancement of the incredible landscape and variety of wildlife that’s right on their doorstep’
Woodcraft folk is a movement for children and young people, open to everyone from birth to adulthood, which is celebrating its centenary this year. Stroud has groups for all ages and are committed to giving young people the chance to develop confidence, learn about the world and start to understand how to value the planet and each other.
‘We love being outside and helping nature so it’s really nice to do a sponsored walk. It was fun too’. said Jed (aged 6)
‘With so much to worry about in terms of the environment and climate change, it feels more important than ever to try and make a difference. For young families it can be hard to get involved on a national or international scale so it’s empowering to be able to help on a local level and instill a sense of valuing our planet in our children’. (Martha Sheppard)
The justgiving page is still live so if anyone would like to contribute please follow this link. https://www.justgiving.com/page/woodchips-stroudvalleysproject
Stroud Woodcraft Folk currently have space in the following groups Woodchips (ages 2-5), Elfins ages (6-9 Waiting List), Pioneers (ages 10-12), Venturers (ages 13-15) for all enquiries please email stroudwoodcraft@gmail.com for Woodchips email stroudvalleysbuddingwoodchips@gmail.com
Stroud Community Agriculture Awarded £15,500 from Severn Trent Community Fund to Install Rainwater Harvesting System
Stroud Community Agriculture (SCA) is delighted to announce it has been awarded £15,500 by Severn Trent as part of their Community Fund.
The funding will enable the installation of a rainwater harvesting system on SCA’s polytunnels at Hawkwood, significantly improving water sustainability on the farm.
Stroud Rotary Club’s Bark in Stratford Park Brings a Howling Good Time!
The sun shone brightly as Stratford Park welcomed dog lovers and their beloved companions for the much-anticipated Bark in Stratford Park, proudly hosted by Stroud Rotary Club.
With over 120 entries, the park was brimming with wagging tails and enthusiastic spectators, all coming together to celebrate their love for dogs whilst raising funds for Auras Dogs UK.
The highlight of the day was the Best in Show competition, where the adorable Maisy the Basset Hound won hearts of the judges, earning the coveted top title. From playful puppies to Golden Oldies, participants showcased their talents and personalities in various fun categories, making it a memorable event for all.
Beyond the competitions, families enjoyed stalls offering pet-friendly goodies, delicious food and fun games. The event also raised valuable funds for local charities, further cementing the Rotary Club’s commitment to supporting the community.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the turnout this year,” said Laura Stewart, event coordinator for Stroud Rotary Club. “Seeing so many dog lovers come together to celebrate their pets and raise money for a good cause is truly heart warming.”
Stroud Rotary Club extends a huge thank you to all attendees, volunteers, and sponsors who helped make Bark in Stratford Park a roaring success. The team is already looking forward to next year’s event!
Stroud Community Agriculture awarded £15,500
Stroud Community Agriculture (SCA) is delighted to announce it has been awarded £15,500 by Severn Trent as part of their Community Fund.
The funding will enable the installation of a rainwater harvesting system on SCA’s polytunnels at Hawkwood, significantly improving water sustainability on the farm.
This new system will collect and store rainwater, reducing reliance on mains water and helping to increase the resilience of the farm against climate change impacts, such as the extremely low-water spring we have just experienced. By capturing and reusing rainwater, SCA will reduce its environmental impact and operating costs, allowing more resources to be directed into producing healthy, local, and organic food for the community.
“This is a huge step forward in our commitment to sustainable farming,” said Diya Mukarji, Core Group member at SCA. “We’re grateful to Severn Trent for supporting our work to grow food in harmony with nature.”
Jade Gough, Severn Trent Community Fund Officer, said: “Projects like this are exactly what our Community Fund is all about – empowering local groups to make a real difference for people and the environment. We’re thrilled to support Stroud Community Agriculture with this funding, which will help them take a big step forward in sustainable water use. By harvesting rainwater, the team is not only reducing its environmental impact but also building greater resilience for the future.”
Stroud Community Agriculture is a member-supported community farm, producing fresh, seasonal vegetables for local people. The farm is currently welcoming new members who wish to receive a weekly share of vegetables, grown with care and without the use of harmful chemicals.
For more information or to join the farm, visit www.stroudcommunityagriculture.org
Pi-in the Sky is The Nailsworth Community Workshop’s first music festival for the community
The festival will be a celebration of our Pi Guitars project based in The Nailsworth Subscription Rooms and any profits from the festival will go to support its work.
The festival will be at Ruggers Green Barn, Tetbury Lane, Nailsworth GL6 0QP.
This, along with all the infra structure, is being generously donated to us for the day by Luke Stewart in support of Pi Guitars.
Music will begin at 12 with gates opening at 11. We have two stages, our solo and duo stage and, D and B Audio powering the bands stage.
There will be food available, including pizzas and vegetarian Indian snacks as well as activities and games in the field for all the family.
Tickets are £25 each with children under 13 welcome fore free.There is more information about the festival and Practical Intelligence on our web site – https://www.practicalintelligence.org.uk/events . Please book your ticket via Eventbrite by using the link below in the poster and we look forward to seeing you there in the sunshine.
Stroud web hosting company launches bold initiative across the Five Valleys
Reforest Hosting, the ethical web hosting company known for planting trees around the world, has announced a new hyper-local focus: supporting the purchase and rewilding of land in and around Stroud.
Instead of funding tree planting overseas, the company will now help secure and restore land across the Stroud valleys to protect vital habitats, increase biodiversity, and create space for wildlife to thrive right here in Gloucestershire.
“Whilst planting trees is great, we want to do more. We want to bring nature back from the brink, starting right here where we are based, in Stroud,” says Matt Unsworth, founder of Reforest Hosting.
Reforest Hosting’s mission is simple: every website it hosts helps support the purchase and rewilding of land, from neglected plots to threatened meadows and woodlands. The goal is to create a patchwork of protected, thriving spaces for wildlife and people alike.
How it works: For every hosting plan, Reforest Hosting allocates funds to support community-led efforts to purchase and rewild land in or near Stroud. Once secured, the land is managed for nature through natural regeneration, native wildflower restoration, or wildlife-friendly planting.
Support local nature with your website:
Residents and businesses can take action by switching their website hosting to Reforest Hosting. Every customer directly supports nature recovery in the Five Valleys.
About Reforest Hosting:
Reforest Hosting is an independent, environmentally focused web hosting company based in Stroud. Originally committed to international tree planting, the company now prioritizes UK biodiversity, helping fund local land rewilding projects that protect wildlife and nature.
