Parish News

Good afternoon, hope everyone survived the winds at the weekend.

Bike ramps
Once again, thank you for your continued patience in us opening the Bike ramps. The weather was too bad to enable us to do this at the weekend. It is hoped that the fencing may come down from the 2nd November, which should allow time for the ramps to have settled in a bit after the weather.

A message from those setting up Ruscombe Woods
Tucked Away in the Valley: The Secret Ancient Woodland We Are Teaming Up to Save
If you have ever taken a walk between Lightwood Lane and Robbers Road in Ruscombe, you will know the quiet magic of the woods there. Dappled sunlight breaking through a canopy of mature beech and ash, a delicate carpet of wild flora, and a peaceful spot that feels miles away from anywhere.
For over twenty years, local families and nature lovers have enjoyed these 17 acres through the generosity of the current landowners. As they now look to retire their long stewardship after decades of hard work keeping the woods well-maintained and open, they would dearly love to see the land pass into permanent community hands.
However, the site has attracted other interest, including proposals for commercial or business use that would restrict or limit public access. Wanting to secure the paths and trees for future generations, local residents have stepped up with a positive vision: what if, instead of falling into private hands or facing future commercial development, the woods belonged to all of us forever?
A Blueprint for Nature and Community
We are the Ruscombe Woodlands Committee, and we are working to bring these 17 acres into permanent community stewardship.
Rather than treating the land as something to exploit, our project is built on six simple ideas:

Protecting Wildlife and Habitat: Safeguarding native trees, wildflowers, and natural animal habitats so nature can thrive undisturbed.
Keeping the Woodland Accessible: Guaranteeing that the permissive footpaths we have all walked for decades stay open for everyone to enjoy.
Gentle, Natural Care: Caring for the canopy through low-impact, close-to-nature stewardship, letting the woods naturally regenerate while carefully keeping public paths safe.
Free Local Workshops: Offering open, hands-on outdoor sessions for residents to learn creative crafts, woodland care, and natural skills.
Demystifying Forest Science: Helping adults and children alike learn about local ecology, soil health, and wildlife in an approachable, down-to-earth way.
A Space for Wellbeing and Connection: Providing a welcoming green space that brings people together, combats isolation, and supports mental health.

This Is What We Do in Stroud: The Power of Taking a Stand
Across the Stroud valleys, we have a proud history of stepping up to protect our green spaces. From The Heavens and Boxwoods to Frome Banks and Rodborough Fields, Stroud people have repeatedly proven that when we pull together, we can save our ancient landscapes from private speculation and secure them as community assets forever.
Now, it is Ruscombe’s turn, and this is very much a priority for the whole Stroud community.
Today, we are officially launching our Call to Pledges.
When an ancient woodland comes up for sale, it is easy to assume someone else will step up to save it. But the truth is, projects like this only succeed when individual neighbours decide that this sanctuary is worth standing up for.
To complete the purchase and cover essential legal, safety, and survey setup costs, our overall fundraising target is £164,000 (reflecting our £155,000 baseline purchase offer alongside vital legal and setup expenses).
We are not asking for money today. A pledge is simply a non-binding promise of support, a statement of intent that says, “If we reach the deadline to buy these woods, I am in.”
It costs nothing right now, collects zero funds today, and carries no immediate financial risk. Yet, its real power is that it completely changes the picture behind the scenes. Major grant providers and charitable trusts do not just look at how beautiful a woodland is; they look at whether local people actually back the project. Every single pledge, no matter the size, proves to funding bodies that Stroud stands behind Ruscombe Woods, helping us unlock matching grants that can double or triple our impact.
Physical volunteering in the woods itself is a little way off while legal setups complete, but everyone has a role to play right now. Whether you can make a financial pledge online or register your willingness to offer time and skills for the future, every bit of support matters. By adding your name to our pledge drive today, you stop being a bystander and become a founding guardian of this landscape.
Join Our Launch Evening!
Want to hear the full story, ask questions, or find out how you can pledge your support to help us reach our target?
Come along to our Community Action & Information Evening:

When: Tuesday, 10th November, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM (Doors open at 6:45 PM)
Where: Ruscombe Schoolroom (GL6 6DA)
What to Expect: Hear from guest speakers involved in other successful Stroud community woodland projects, discover our local biodiversity plans, ask your questions, enjoy tea and cake, and add your name to the pledge drive.

Whether you can make a pledge online today, offer your future skills, or simply spread the word to your neighbours, every bit of momentum helps.
To submit your pledge, register as a volunteer, or find out more, visit ruscombe-woods.org.uk.
Let’s bring Ruscombe Woods home!

Kind regards
Helen Dunn, Parish Clerk
07941 171805