Stroud landscape project

Hay meadows are great for wildflowers and herbs

Nature in the UK is in trouble with many species in serious decline. The Stroud landscape project aims to reverse this by creating more spaces for nature and making our network of wildlife sites bigger, better and more joined up.

With the town of Stroud at the centre, the Stroud landscape project extends as far as Crickley Hill in the north to Wotton-under-Edge in the south. Within this there are amazing calcareous grasslands and ancient beech woodlands. The area is renowned for its rare species like the Duke of Burgundy butterfly, pasque flower and greater horseshoe bats.

What's happening?

We're in danger of losing these precious plants and animals from the west Cotswolds for ever. Important habitats are being lost through intensive farming and pressures from developers. It's not too late to save nature if we act quickly and work together at a large scale. If we provide plants and animals with the right conditions they will come back from the brink, and we'll be able to pass on a healthier natural environment to the next generation.

Making space

The project aims to create and improve grassland habitats, restore woodlands and establish wildlife corridors that allow plants and animals to move. We're working with partners and landowners to make this happen.

Stroud Landscape Project newsletter January 2021 (PDF / 2.671875MB) download

The small blue butterfly laying eggs

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 and encouraging more nature-friendly farming.

Wildflower meadows are home to lots of animals and insects
Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons   Gloucestershire

Creating wildflower grasslands

Over 60% of the country's calcareous grassland is in the South West. We're looking after and improving them in the Cotswolds so wildlife can thrive.

Help grasslands bloom

Creating wildflower meadows: year one

  • 7 sites
  • 7.5 ha of private land
  • 275 kg of seed harvested
  • 11 ha sown with harvested seed
Beech trees look great during the summer
Woodchester Park   Gloucestershire

Restoring ancient woodland

Woodlands are home to a wide range of fungi and plants including bluebells and wood anemone. Many birds and other animals depend on them but they're under threat.

How we're helping woodlands to grow
Bees love wildflowers
Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons   Gloucestershire

Wildlife corridors

Animals, insects and plants move through the countryside from one habitat to another. We're creating more wildlife corridors to help make moving around easier.

Giving wildlife a helping hand
Adders do not like to be disturbed
Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons   Gloucestershire

Bringing back threatened species

Wildlife that was once common is being lost but we can all play our part in helping it recover.

Coming back from the brink

Working together

Volunteers get involved in all sorts of tasks

Our partners 

We can't achieve our nature and landscape ambitions on our own. We're standing up for nature by working in partnership.

Take time to enjoy the view

Beyond our boundaries 

The Stroud landscape project isn't just about what we're doing on the land we care for. It's how we can all work together to stand up for nature and create a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.

Latest news

Cows are crucial
Wildflower surveys are important for our conservation work

Grant scheme boosts nature 

A grant scheme provided by the Cotswolds National Landscape brings a welcome boost to nature and the Stroud landscape project.

Case studies 

The Stroud landscape project is fighting climate change by making more space for nature in the west Cotswolds. You can read more about what we've been up to in our case studies.

David Armstrong, Lead Ranger and Stroud Landscape Project Manager

Meet Dave 

David Armstrong works as a Lead Ranger in the Cotswolds portfolio. He's leading the project to create more spaces for nature to thrive right across the Stroud landscape.

Find out more about the man behind the project
" I care passionately about the wildlife in the Cotswolds. By working together we can create a more healthy, beautiful and natural landscape."
- David Armstrong, Stroud Landscape Project Manager
Spring is a good time to spot an orchid

Getting in touch 

There are lots of ways you can get involved with the Stroud landscape project. It all begins with a phone call or email.

Find out more