A 17-acre ancient woodland on the edge of Stroud could be bought by the people who walk in it. Ruscombe Wood, between Lightwood Lane and Robbers Road, has been open to the public for about 20 years, thanks to the owners, Margaret and David Lloyd. The couple now want to retire and would like the woods to pass into local hands.
A volunteer committee, the Ruscombe Woodlands Committee, has one year to raise the money. The landowners have given it until November 2027 to complete the purchase.
How much is needed and why
The target is £164,000. That covers the purchase price, legal fees, surveys and the cost of setting up the new ownership structure. The committee says the main aim is to keep the wood open to everyone and to protect its wildlife and habitat, and to guarantee that the permissive footpaths stay open.
If the full amount is not raised by November 2027, the committee says the sale to the community would not go ahead and the wood could go back on the market, with a risk of being closed to the public.
How you can help
The committee is asking for community pledges. A pledge is a statement of support, not a payment. No money is taken at this stage and no bank or card details are needed. Pledges start at £50, and an instalment option is planned for later.
- Make a pledge or sign up for updates at ruscombe-woods.org.uk. The site also has a ready-made message to share.
- Ask questions or offer help by emailing woods@ruscombe.org.uk.
- Offer practical help, such as woodland conservation or surveying, at volunteering@ruscombe.org.uk.
Public event on Tuesday 10 November
A free Woodland Steward Panel is being held at Ruscombe Schoolroom on Tuesday 10 November. Doors open at 6.45pm and the event runs from 7pm to 8.30pm. Local community woodland stewards will answer questions on care, costs and running a woodland, and tea, coffee and homemade cake will be provided. The pledge phase launches at the same event.
What happens next
The committee has formed a steering group and completed initial woodland surveys. It has not yet chosen a legal structure. One option is a community benefit society, the same route used to protect The Heavens in Stroud. The committee says it will explain the choice once it is confirmed, and that it will not ask for money until the legal structure and purchase safeguards are in place.
