Volunteers raise thousands to save fields

A community group has successfully raised thousands of pounds to purchase a meadow and woodland in Gloucestershire.

Rodborough Fields, which borders the River Frome in Rodborough, was marketed in 2025 as two lots. Lot 1 is now under community ownership following a public campaign to protect the land from development.

John Bloxsom, chair of the Rodborough Fields and Frome Banks Preservation Group, said the site had faced a series of development proposals over the years, prompting residents to take action to keep it as a green space.

"When it came on the market, people thought this is our opportunity, we need to step forward," he said.

Bloxsom said the group hoped to maintain and improve the biodiversity of the area.

"We will try and improve the quality of the grass, put more wildflowers in there... get some new trees."

He added that it also hoped to create new educational opportunities.

"It's very close to a primary school and areas where a forest school operates - so there are lots of opportunities for young people to enjoy," said Bloxsom.

The group has asked for further donations to support the ongoing care of the fields and to help repay community loans taken out by the charity to secure the purchase.

Stephen Kinsella, chair of the Laura Kinsella Foundation, which supported the campaign for ownership, said the charity was "very supportive" of the move and praised the Rodborough Group for doing "incredible work under huge time pressure".

Residents have been invited to celebrate the community's ownership of the site on 18 April, with a performance from morris dancers planned as part of the event.

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