Bankside path’s nature boost
SVP and their partners have been careful to maintain the area for nature as well as for people
Photo Credit: Rachel Bulpit
Stroud Valleys Project is thanking funders, partners and the public for their input into an ambitious project.
The charity has been raising money to make improvements for people and for nature at a tranquil haven in the centre of town. Frome Banks Nature Reserve, a shady stretch of land next to the River Frome as it runs from Capel’s Mill to Wallbridge, is frequented by families, dog walkers and birdwatchers, and is the perfect spot to enjoy some time in the fresh air.
“We feel very privileged to be the stewards of this special part of Stroud,” said SVP’s CEO Clare Mahdiyone. “We’re very grateful to everyone who has helped us with funding so far.
SVP volunteers take advantage of the new boardwalk
“The project has been funded by Rural England Prosperity Fund (Stroud District Council), Removing Barriers (Cotswold National Landscape), Garfield Weston Foundation, Summerfield Charitable Trust, HDH Wills Charitable Trust, Tesco Stronger Starts and Midcounties Co Op, and we also crowdfunded through the Big Give and received a few private donations, which means that a lot of people from Stroud contributed directly to the improvements we’ve made.
“Our staff and volunteers have put a lot of hard work into the improvements to this area beside the Frome, including putting in woody deflectors so fish have areas in which to swarm, planting wildflowers that will thrive in the muddy environment, and shoring the bank up with faggots to prevent erosion from flooding.
“Our partners JPR Environmental came up with a few novel ways to deal with the difficult access to the site, including creating a chute from Dr Newton’s Way to deliver aggregate to bolster the path.”
The path is now a lot safer and less muddy – but there is still work to be done, and SVP are keen to find local businesses and organisations who might be interested in partnering with them so they can finish the job.
“If your company has a premises near the river or would like to support the people of Stroud to spend time in nature, we’d love to chat with you about how we can work together,” said Clare.