SVP are making an impact!

There doesn’t seem to be any such thing as a good year – but for many people, 2022 has at least been good in parts.  

For us at Stroud Valleys Project, as with many, it’s largely been a year of rebuilding – and taking stock. We published our 21/22 Impact Report earlier in the year, which reveals how its staff and volunteers have worked together to spectacular effect over the 12 months up to April. 

 The report was produced by our project officer Sharon Gardham, who works on wildlife surveys and operational projects and is studying for a PhD examining the use of land such as Rodborough Common.  

 “We wanted to explore our impact,” says Sharon. “So we’ve assessed what we’ve done in the areas of People, Environment and Education.” 

 SVP’s people manage 15 projects across the district, with around 100 active volunteers who between them have clocked up over 10,200 hours over the year – and, as Sharon explains, it’s not just a matter of turning up: “Our volunteers love working with us, with 94% reporting that volunteering with us was good for their mental health and 96% saying they feel they’re benefiting the local community.” 

 When it comes to the environment, SVP’s keen team have supported around 57 acres of habitat, planting 8,000 trees, come rain, hail or shine! They also help to keep plastic out of the ecosystem by providing refills and accepting recycling, with over 5,000 plastic bottles refilled and the equivalent in weight of six average men recycled through the Terracycle scheme. 

 “One of the reasons we’re here is to share our love of nature and help people to engage with wildlife and the natural world,” says Sharon. “In 2021/22, over 700 people came to our walks, talks and other events, and more than 815 sightings were recorded on our fun, interactive Wild Classrooms app. 

 “If you’re a local business and are making decisions about who to support as your charity of the year, we’d love you to consider us. We and our volunteers are dedicated to keeping Stroud district’s people and nature thriving together.”