Leader's blog - 12 August 2024

“Volunteers are at the heart of the Cotswold Canals Connected project, so it was lovely to celebrate them and all their work last week at a summer event in Eastington, held at the Cotswold Canals Trust Western Depot. 

Despite getting soaking wet in the summer drizzle, I very much enjoyed this get-together and the chance to hear from the environment, engineering and community engagement project leads about recent progress. It was inspiring to chat with the many volunteers and local companies involved, who are all so passionate about the project and its benefits for our communities. 

We also heard about the next phase of work: the Fromebridge Biodiversity Project, which will create a new wetland area between the Stroudwater Canal and the River Frome just south of Whitminster.  The Canal Environment Programme work is led by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and this Fromebridge Biodiversity Project will create ponds for water voles, along with a wetlands area, construction of a multi-user canal towpath and an accessible bird hide.  Subject to securing planning permission, and raising the final funds required, work should start by the end of the year.  

If you’d like to find out more about progress and plans for the canal project, take a look at the recent Council paper.

With family visiting at the weekend (and fortunately much better weather) I had planned to go on a canal boat trip . In the end, we opted for a picnic at Coaley Peak and a visit to Woodchester Mansion which is a fascinating building, full of baby bats!  It was also the coolest place to be on a very hot sunny afternoon, and they had ice-cream. There are loads more ideas for anyone looking for a local day out in this giant guide for the school summer holidays here."

Cllr Catherine Braun, Leader of Stroud District Council