Stroud Community River Pathways, Stroud Valleys Project

This project includes repairing the Frome Banks footpath and developing the Arundel Mill path, by putting in a bench and planting native bluebells and other wildflowers.

Frome Banks Nature Reserve adjoins the canal and River Frome in Stroud. A footpath runs along the river, forming part of a popular Stroud walk. After consultation with the community in 2024, the access was improved by putting in a boardwalk, as the site often became muddy and inaccessible. Use of the footpath increased but a tree falling in the river in early 2026 caused part of the footpath to be washed away. The aim is to make it accessible again, make a new footpath at nearby Arundel Mill, add a bench, birdboxes and wildflowers and continue SVP conservation work in both locations.

During consultation with the community, people said they wanted the waterway to be safe, wildlife habitats to be supported, and community involvement to increase. SVP has managed a team of local volunteers on the Frome each week, improving habitats and increasing biodiversity. By continuing this conservation work with volunteers, including this project, SVP will provide attractive walks for the local community and deliver both biodiversity and wellbeing outcomes.

Stroud’s watercourses have great potential to support some of the richest ecological communities in the Severn catchment area, but historical degradation of river and canal corridors have meant there are now multiple pressures on aquatic habitats and species. SVP’s work on Frome Banks provides a central hub for local community volunteers to carry out management of invasive species, habitat restoration, and ecological surveying and monitoring. Where appropriate SVP work in partnership with landowners, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Stroud District Council, and Severn Rivers Trust. SVP carry out riverfly surveys, Earthwatch Freshwater Watch water quality monitoring, and MORPH surveying, as well as Bioblitz events incorporating bird, insect, bat, fish, and plant surveys. The site is important for dippers, so SVP work in partnership with the Stroud Dipper Project. The site has become important for otters and has the potential to have water voles.

In addition to biodiversity outcomes, the project will deliver wellbeing outcomes by providing meaningful regular outdoor volunteering experiences for at least 18 people who will learn new knowledge and skills, have improved social interaction, and improved physical and mental health. There will also be wellbeing benefits for the thousands of local people who will use the footpath each year, through physical exercise and spending time in nature.

Environmental considerations: Recycled and/or sustainable, locally produced materials will be used in the project as far as possible. SVP is an environmental charity and aims to carry out activities in a sustainable way.