ENVIRONMENTAL charity Stroud Valleys Project has joined members of the community in a bid to purchase land in the Slad Valley.

Members of the community action group which fought against a proposed housing development on Wades Farm in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are seeking public support for their campaign to bring the field into community ownership.

The group wants to raise funds to purchase the 9.5 acre field (Lot 2) of Wades Farm which is being marketed for sale by Bruton Knowles with a guide price of £200,000.

The group plans to form a company limited by shares with a value of £1,000 each.

The partnership with Stroud Valleys Project means that people can now pledge smaller sums for shares which will be owned by Stroud Valleys Project.

The bid is being led by Stroud Town Councillor Simon Arundel who led the successful campaign in 2012 with his wife Elaine.

They have raised pledges of over £75,000 so far and want more shareholders to join.

Over 1,500 people wrote letters of objection to the plans by Barratts to build on the farmland which is now for sale. Land on the opposite side of the valley was subject of later applications by Gladman Developments who lost their Appeals to develop homes on Baxters Fields.

Simon Arundel commented: “We fought a hard campaign in 2012 when the planning rules looked so favourable to developers coveting our finest landscapes for building.

"Their prospects look much less threatening for the time-being but the only way that we can be sure of protecting the beautiful Slad Valley is to ensure it is the community which owns the land.

"We should not pass up this opportunity and we are delighted that Stroud Valleys Project have agreed to join our venture.”

Clare Mahdiyhone, CEO of Stroud Valleys Project, said: “We’re pleased to have this opportunity to work with a community which aims to protect a valuable landscape.

"As a shareholder we will have a significant say in how the land is managed.

"There is much that we can do to improve the appearance and biodiversity and make this a better place for future generations to enjoy.”

Simon added: “We’re so grateful for the support we’ve had so far. We don’t want money coming in yet, but we would love to hear from everyone wanting make a donation or to become a shareholder so that we can make a credible offer.”

For more information or to pledge support, contact

simonarundel@hotmail.com or phone 01453 766825.