A campaign is being launched this weekend to mobilise public support for buying two fields which hold an important place in the hearts and history of the community.
A once in a lifetime opportunity has arisen to buy two fields in Rodborough that run from Wallbridge between Arundel Drive, Rodborough Avenue and the Rodborough parish side of the River Frome.
The public is being asked to help by making a pledge of what they could donate to the campaign to show organisers how much money could be raised. The selling price is £375,000 but offers have to be made by April 2.
Rodborough Fields are woven into the historical, social, physical and emotional fabric of Stroud & the Five Valleys. Hundreds of years ago, they were racking fields where cloth from the dye-works at Capel’s Mill (built into the railway viaduct) was pegged out in rows on tenterhooks to dry. This is shown in the significant historical painting of Stroud on view in the Museum in the Park. Before this, the fields were the site of a Medieval ridge and furrow farming system.
The fields cover 21 acres and are a fine example of species-rich lowland calcareous grassland which makes the Cotswolds so special. In recent years, cattle have grazed there but no artificial fertilisers or pesticides have been used, leading to the fields becoming a key wildlife site and a fine example of hay meadows which are covered with swathes of wildflowers in the summer attracting butterflies, insects and birds. Running alongside the fields is the clear, unpolluted River Frome with its wonderful tree-lined banks, home for birds including Kingfisher, Dipper and Grey Wagtail. Mammals including several species of Bat and even otters use the river.
The Rodborough Fields & Frome Banks Preservation group is launching the ‘Buy Rodborough Fields’ campaign and is appealing to the public to help raise the money needed to buy these precious fields and secure them for recreational use, to protect and encourage biodiversity, and to provide educational opportunities for local schools.
The closing date for informal tenders is 2nd April so the group has a stall outside Stroud Valleys Project’s shop between 10am – 2pm this Saturday, the 21st, during the Farmers’ Market and is holding a public meeting on Sunday, 23rd March, 5-7pm at The Prince Albert in Rodborough.
Anyone who wants to know more or offer support will be able to ask questions, make a pledge and/or sign up to the mailing list. The campaign has gained the support of Rodborough Parish Council, Stroud Commonwealth, Stroud Valleys Project and the National Trust.
A spokesperson for the Rodborough Fields & Frome Banks Preservation group said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring Rodborough Fields and Frome Banks into community ownership to encourage biodiversity, open up the fields to open access for recreational use, and create a gateway open access space connecting Stroud and Rodborough.
“The Parry family have done a fantastic job caring for these species-rich lowland calcareous grassland meadows for more than 50 years, but following the sad death of Frank Parry the fields are for sale and it is time for the community to come together and protect them for future generations.”
“To find out more or make your pledge please visit our website or come along to our events this weekend.”
Alternatively, information, pledge forms and joining forms for the mailing list are available on the Rodborough Fields & Frome Banks Preservation group’s website: www.rodboroughfields.org.uk.
