The Rodborough Fields Preservation Group have this week launched a call for further donations in response to a generous donor who has pledged to match every pound donated in response to the appeal, doubling the impact of any further donations.
The donation will enable the group to bring part of Rodborough Fields into managed community ownership, to preserve the historic area for public access, to maintain and improve biodiversity and to provide educational opportunities.
Following acceptance of the group’s our offer of £200,000 to buy Lot 1, the team have been busily fundraising towards a target of £220,000 to cover the purchase and associated costs.
The community have come together with great determination and spirit and the have had donations from local residents and as far afield as the USA.
Individual donations have ranged from £5 to £10,000 and are helping to raise funds towards our target.
The group are delighted to now be in a position to instruct solicitors and proceed with the purchase. Donations totalling £180,000 are already in the bank, and a temporary bridging loan is helping to cover the remaining balance until we can raise the outstanding funds.
A spokesperson for the Rodborough Fields Preservation Group said:
“The public response has been amazing and we are now so close to our target.
“The final piece of the jigsaw which will help us to do this fell into place this week, with a very kind offer from The Laura Kinsella Foundation to match-fund up to £20,000 in whatever public donations we can raise as part of this appeal.
“The Foundation has pledged to match every pound you give, doubling the impact of your donation. This means that if we raise a further £20,000 from individual donations by 10th August, the Foundation will match the same amount to help us to be in a position to complete the purchase without needing to take up a loan.
“As a result, we are today launching a renewed call for donations. We are asking you all to dig deep, to spread the word as widely as you can and to help us to raise the £20,000 that will help bring this important species-rich riverside meadow and woodland into community ownership.”
“Thanks so much to those who have already donated, and supported us in other ways. If you are in a position to add to this, thank you. If you haven’t donated, please consider joining us now, to protect this important natural resource.”
Donations can be made via the Rodborough Fields Preservation Group website, on https://rodboroughfields.org.uk or by taking a cheque to Stroud Valleys Project shop, 8 Threadneedle Street, Stroud, GL5 1AF.
Date for your diary – Sun 10th August 2025 at 2pm
Rodborough Fields supporters are warmly invited to join a celebratory walk from the Clothiers on Bath Road, and along the footpath up through Rodborough Fields, ending at the Prince Albert on Rodborough Hill. Attendees are requested to come dressed in red if possible, to be a part of a photo of call to support the campaign.
