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Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Advisory Committee

View over the Stroud Valley on the trail at Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons, Gloucestershire on a sunny day
The Stroud Valley from Rodborough Commons | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

The commons at Minchinhampton and Rodborough are important for nature conservation and for their geology, archaeology and cultural history. They are known for their traditional grazing practices, which continue despite the pressures from modern farming and urban growth. We work in collaboration with an advisory committee, and members bring ideas and help us with the thinking and decision making that affect the commons.

Surveys help us to monitor wildlife

The committee consists of National Trust staff and volunteers and representatives from local stakeholder groups like the golf club, Parish Councils, residents and the grazing communities. We work together to support the National Trust's aims and aspirations for protecting and managing the commons.

Objectives of the committee

The committee works to maintain the commons as an open space, while protecting them from damage and development. We want them to continue to be enjoyed and loved long into the future.

Management aims on the commons

We have five key management aims for nature conservation on the commons.

  • To maintain and enhance a rich mixture of habitats, especially the grassland but also taking account of the woodland and scrub. The type of grassland found on the commons is increasingly rare in Britain and its conservation is a priority.
  • Fulfil the National Trust's legal obligations for the Sites of Special Scientific Interest and the Special Area of Conservation.
  • Look after the plants and animals of the commons, following the advice of English Nature.
  • Improve the quality of the grassland through good management. This involves controlling the scrub, careful grazing and protecting sensitive and especially rich areas from erosion and damage.
  • Continue to undertake survey and monitoring work.

Committee meetings

The committee meets regularly to discuss some of the challenges facing the commons. Members support the National Trust in thinking of ways to make things better. The fully constituted committee meet four times a year, including an Annual General Meeting held in the summer.

There are also three sub-groups which members are encouraged to sit on. These groups focus on delivery and implementation of ideas.

Open meeting

There's an open meeting in the spring. The community can come together to discover more about the challenges facing the commons and hear more about plans for the future and work. There's usually a guest speaker or two.

We always leave enough time for questions so if there's anything you want the answer to, commons related of course, you can pop in and we’ll try our best to provide an answer. Everyone is welcome.

Two black and white Belted Galloway cattle grazing in long grass on Denbies Hillside, Surrey
Belted Galloway cattle grazing at Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons | © National Trust Images / Rob Hewer

Recent Committee meetings

4 March 2021

Preservation and re-introducing butterflies

  • Ash dieback work 

  • Large blue butterfly reintroduction 

Post-covid

26 November 2020

Post-covid

  • National Trust coronavirus update 

  • Coronavirus and changes/ impacts on the commons 

  • Stakeholder engagement 

 

​​​​​​Elections and communications

17 September (AGM) 2020

​​​​​​Elections and communications

  • ​​​​​​Election of members and officers 
  • National Trust coronavirus update 

  • Feasibility report: consultation 

  • Communications and community engagement plans 

Feasibility reports

11 June 2020

Feasibility reports

  • Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons feasibility report 

  • National Trust coronavirus update 

 

 

Woman putting on a small child's welly in the boot of a car
Family getting ready for a walk at Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Subgroups of the Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Advisory Committee

Committee members are encouraged to sit on and participate in at least one of the three committee subgroups. These groups focus on the delivery and implementation of ideas and improvements.

The subgroups meet at least four times a year but can meet more regularly to talk about emerging issues. Members of subgroups use their own networks to help communicate the work of the National Trust and wider committee.

Subgroups and their aims

Communications

  • Promoting awareness of the importance of the commons
  • Increasing knowledge about the work of the committee
  • Working with local schools to inspire students in their appreciation of the commons and encourage partnership working on community projects
  • Seeking sponsorship and donations for projects

Vegetation and conservation

  • Fostering good working relationships with the graziers
  • Proactively managing major work
  • Contributing to the review of management plans
  • Undertaking survey and monitoring work
  • Increasing biodiversity

Vehicle management

  • Providing support on the outcomes of vehicle feasibility studies
  • Ideas for controlling erosion caused by the increasing pressure from vehicles and visitors
  • Discussing vehicle related issues and agreeing actions for the National Trust to implement
Spring flowers in front of a view over Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons, Gloucestershire

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