Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons

View of the Stroud Valley from Rodborough Common

The Commons are a great place for a walk with family and friends

Important notice -

In line with government guidance, our countryside space is open for walks. We ask all visitors to follow guidance on social distancing to keep everyone safe.

Rolling hills and open spaces above the Stroud Valleys and Severn estuary

Overview
Opening times
How to get here
Facilities and access
Contact us

Visitors walking through a garden in spring

Latest visiting update

Our gardens, parks, cafés, shops and countryside locations are open. Many houses are also open to visit. Advance booking for visits helps us keep everyone safe and socially distanced. At quieter times such as weekdays, booking shouldn't be necessary, but to guarantee entry we recommend booking in advance, especially at weekends and bank holidays.

Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons

Wildlife

Walker on track through hedges of white hawthorn blossom — Walking through hawthorn and blackthorn blossom in Stockbridge Down, Hampshire

Follow the Countryside Code

With more people than ever enjoying our coast and countryside places, we’re asking for your help in looking after them during your visit. Please help us protect wildlife and landscapes by following the Countryside Code, which includes taking any litter home with you and not lighting a barbecue or campfire.

Look after nature

Grazing cattle are great for encouraging wildflowers

Extraordinarily special

Some of the country's very best wildlife can be found living on the Commons. They're so important that they've been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Cowpats and splats

Cattle are helping us to keep the Commons special. The cows act as natural lawnmowers keeping the land in perfect condition for the birds and butterflies, flowers and insects that live here.

Hay meadows are great for wildflowers and herbs

Stroud landscape project

Nature in the UK is in trouble. Wildlife that was once common is being lost. The Stroud landscape project aims to reverse this trend so nature can thrive for years to come.

A living landscape

The large blue butterfly was last seen on the commons 150 years ago

Reintroducing the Large Blue

After 150 years, Britain's rarest butterfly, the Large Blue, has returned to the commons. The collaborative project marks the largest ever reintroduction of the butterfly in the UK.

Wildflowers attract lots of rare butterflies

Butterflies and flies

The Commons are a haven for many rare butterflies and flies. Many are declining nationally so it's important we protect this special place.

Wildflowers

Wildflowers flower in abundance from spring right through to autumn. Insects rely on them for food so it's important we keep them flowering for many years to come.

Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons

History

What lies beneath

The mounds on the Commons hide secrets from the past which we're just starting to uncover.

Cattle grazing is fundamental to wildlife on the Commons

Commoners and the Common

Years ago land would've been owned by the Lord of the Manor, but some local people were allowed to grow food, graze their animals and gather fuel.

Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons

Things to see and do

Woods are the perfect place to take your dog for a walk

Walking your dog in the Cotswolds

From acres of shady woodlands to mysterious ancient monuments surrounded by quiet countryside, we look after some incredible landscapes that you and your well behaved pooch can explore.

Rodborough woodlands and villages walk

On this walk you can discover some of Rodborough Commons' hidden treasures by exploring the woodlands on the lower slopes.

Rodborough Common views walk

If you're pushed for time you can still enjoy some of the best views the Cotswolds has to offer on this short self-led walk.

Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons

Our work

A bird's eye view of conservation

Recent drone footage and old photographs taken from RAF planes are helping us to reveal how Rodborough Common has changed over the last 60 years.

Ash dieback

Ash dieback is a growing concern across the country and can now be found in woodlands in Gloucestershire. It's a disease that's having a devastating impact on the landscape.

There are lots of outdoor activities that take place

Event licensing

If you're thinking of holding an event on the land that we care for, you'll need to apply for a license.

Stroud landscape appeal

We need your help to make more space for nature in south Gloucestershire. Together, we can change the fortunes for wildlife by creating and connecting habitats together and encouraging more nature-friendly farming.

Give today

Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons

Join or give

Sunflowers at Rhosili and South Gower Coast, Wales

We need your support

Our natural world and places of historic beauty are at serious risk. Give today and together, we can help nature recover, bring people closer to it, and ensure our shared history continues to inspire us all. Thank you for your continued support.

Visitors walking in the garden in spring at Belton House, Lincolnshire

Experience more with National Trust membership

Now more than ever, we all need access to nature, fresh air and open spaces. Become a member today and you can explore our outdoor places and park at most of our car parks free of charge. What's more, your membership will go towards looking after nature, beauty and history for generations to come.

Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons

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