"We secured a Lottery grant of £3,500 to fund the community consultation process and used some of the money to hold a barbeque. We got a band along, and drank organic juices made from local varieties of fruit."

Holywell Orchard
LOCATION Stroud, Gloucestershire
MANAGING ORGANISATION Stroud Valleys Project

THE PROBLEM
Holywell Orchard was planted in the middle of the 19th century. It was open green space used by the entire community and up until the 1960s it was still a favourite ‘scrumping’ spot. Holywell Orchard is now overgrown and under-used. It is a shadow of its former self and only four fruit trees are left standing.

THE PROGRESS SO FAR
In December 2003, the Stroud Valleys Project launched a campaign to encourage local people to take the lead in regenerating the orchard.

A project proposal is currently being drawn up, based on comments from local people. Residents expressed concern about the poor quality of the path that runs through the orchard to Dursley. There were also suggestions to enhance the stream by building a bridge, and to install seating for people to enjoy the countryside views.

The Countryside Agency has awarded funding for the work under its Doorstep Greens initiative, funded by New Opportunities lottery money.

GET INVOLVED
The Stroud Valleys Project is charity that has been developed by the community. It aims to give local people the knowledge and skills to think of solutions to environmental problems and to then put those solutions into practise.

For the past 15 years SVP’s staff have trained, advised and worked alongside community groups in the Stroud Valleys area to identify the environmental issues that concern them, and develop these ideas into realistic plans and work programmes.

For information on the Stroud Valleys Project please contact:
Caroline Aistrop, Stroud Valleys Project T. 01453 753358
W. www.stroudvalleysproject.org

"When it comes to revitalizing open spaces we often find that people really do care about their environment, but don't know where to start. Sometimes there's a motivated individual who can get a project off the ground, but not often. Stroud Valleys Project can be a catalyst. We can give people confidence, which is so often the biggest problem."

Caroline Aistrop of Stroud Valleys Project.