VIDEO: Rodborough Fields Campaign take community bid to the next stage

The Rodborough Fields Preservation Group (RFPG) have announced that their offer for part of Rodborough Fields and Frome Banks - the 9.42-acre meadow and woodland between Arundel Drive and the River Frome - has been accepted.

The agricultural land has provided a green haven for local wildlife, grazing for cattle, and dog-walking space for generations. Part of the land is included in the 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', and includes a Right of Way shortcut into Stroud town for Rodborough residents.

Watch this short video by Amplify Stroud interviewing the RFPG, Rodborough Parish Council, and local residents to find out more:

Earlier this year, the 2 plots of land were put up for sale with just a short month-long window for prospective buyers to make an offer. Although historic planning applications on the land were previously denied, there were fears that potential development could be revisited due to a lack of a Stroud District Council Local Plan for housing.

The RFPG quickly formed in response to a strong local demand to preserve the land for the benefit of nature and the community. RFPG have said:

The public’s response to the launch of the pledge campaign in mid-March was phenomenal and demonstrated the importance of the fields for local people. In only three weeks, they offered enough support [via pledges] for the Preservation Group to offer to buy Lot 1, the field between Arundel Drive and the River Frome. 

Now the groups' offer of £200,000 has been accepted by the sellers, as well as asking people to honour their generous pledges of financial support, the Rodborough Fields Preservation Group are renewing their call for donations to support the purchase, which can be made online.

Donations can also be made by cheques payable to “Stroud Common Wealth Community Benefit Society Limited” which can be delivered to the Stroud Valleys Project shop, 8 Threadneedle Street, Stroud, GL5 1AF.

Donors are being asked to please consider completing a Gift Aid declaration, which can increase the value of your donations by 25% if you are a UK resident taxpayer. This could add a significant amount of additional money towards the purchase price and ongoing costs. 

Amplify Stroud is supported by Dialect rural writers collective. Dialect offers mentorship, publishing, and self-study courses.