Stroud, in Gloucestershire, is a small market town which sits on the edge of the Cotswolds and at the heart of five valleys. Surrounded by hills, the town also boasts historical canals, secluded rivers, picturesque mill ponds and tranquil nature reserves. No surprise then that Stroud has become a hub for people with a passion for nature and the environment. And from canal restoration to organic farming co-operatives, Stroud’s nature lovers can get their hands dirty with a range of different local groups. One such group is Stroud Valleys Project (SVP), an environmental charity with projects throughout the area, including allotments, wetlands, gardens, canals, rivers…. projects powered by local volunteers of all ages, all backgrounds and all abilities.
In Stroud’s Wild Valleys former BBC Radio producer-turned conservation volunteer Al Booth explores some of the hidden, and not so hidden, wildlife havens in this beautiful part of the world. Accompanied by SVP project leaders and volunteers she experiences first-hand how people and nature can thrive together.
www.stroudvalleysproject.org
@svpcharity
","author_name":"Al Booth"}