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Locals launch campaign to buy ancient wood
Residents near Stroud are campaigning to buy Ruscombe Wood, a 17-acre ancient woodland, so it can remain accessible to the public and be protected for future generations. The effort matters because the current owners are selling, and community ownership could safeguard its wildlife, habitat and footpaths.
Owners Margaret and David Lloyd have given the Ruscombe Woodlands Committee one year to raise £164,000 for the purchase, legal work and surveys. The group also hopes to run free woodland-care, natural-skills and craft workshops, and possibly a forest school; the owners say the woodland has become too much work for them.
In short
- Villagers have a year to raise £164,000 to buy Ruscombe Wood.
- The owners want the woodland to be loved by the community.
- Plans include protecting wildlife, keeping footpaths open and running workshops.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Community ownership could keep the ancient woodland and its footpaths accessible while giving local residents a direct role in protecting its wildlife and habitat. Raising the purchase price may be worthwhile if it secures the wood for future generations and supports free learning and woodland-care activities.
The case against
Buying the wood would commit the community to a substantial fundraising effort and ongoing costs for maintenance, surveys and legal responsibilities. Even with good intentions, a volunteer group may find long-term stewardship difficult, and public access and workshops could require careful management to protect the habitat.
Explained simply
Ruscombe Wood is a 17-acre ancient woodland near Stroud, with wildlife, natural habitats and footpaths used by the public. Ancient woods are places with a long history of woodland cover, and can support plants and animals that are less common in newer forests.
The land is owned by Margaret and David Lloyd, who say caring for it has become too much work and are selling it. The Ruscombe Woodlands Committee is seeking to buy it through community fundraising, which could give local residents a role in its future care and access.