I love living adjacent to the Heavens - what a special place. I've loved watching its (successful) journey towards community ownership and it would be an honor to support ongoing efforts over the coming year. I am a Research Fellow at the Countryside & Community Research Institute at the University of Gloucestershire, the UK’s largest centre for rural and environmental research.

I'd simply love to be a director and champion the Heavens Valley. I moved to Stroud 6 years ago and was amazed to discover the beauty and peace of the Heavens. I'd like to join the team as a director to give back to the local community that I call my home and help to raise the profile of this very special bit of wild space.

I have been involved in the campaign to save the Heavens since January 2023 and I am currently a Director. I live about ten minutes away from the Heavens Valley and have been a regular visitor there for 30 years. My day job is as a facilitator and coach - I facilitated our March meeting at the Sub Rooms when we launched our campaign.

I was one of the residents who first got together informally to form the Heavens Valley Action Group in 2023 when rumours first circulated that the Heavens Valley was to be put up for sale. When the action group formally became a legal entity – a Community Benefit Society – to start fundraising to buy the land, I volunteered to be one of the interim directors.

The Heavens Valley is the first thing I see out the window each morning and I feel extremely lucky to be part of a community that has done so much to protect it. I’ve spent countless hours running up, down and around its various trails (I hold a local record for running from top to bottom) and can sometimes even convince the dog to walk up it.

Stroud Town Council Nominee

The Heavens Valley CBS is a cause and community group that is close to my heart. To me it encompasses the wonder that is community ownership of hugely important areas of land, but also says so much about organising and togetherness that I think are so important to how communities work and come together to care for what is precious to them.

Stroud Valleys Project Nominee

Born and bred in Stroud, I have been an active volunteer in the local charitable sector for over 35 years. I bring a wealth of experience in community development, governance, communications, and strategic planning—all of which are highly relevant to the role of director at Heavens Valley CBS.

Under 25-year-old Director category

The Heavens Valley plays a key role in our community, connecting people both with each other and the natural world. Growing up with this space as the backdrop to my childhood, I now hope to help build on this, allowing a new generation of people to use and respect this important asset for years to come. I propose to share the responsibility of the role with fellow student, Nyima Gritten, using our combined skills to work on this project.

I wish to be working together as a (new) group of directors to build on the fantastic achievement of the community and dedicated individuals; to build the Nature and Community of the Heavens.

For almost thirty years, I’ve had the privilege of access to the Heavens Valley as a walker, runner, mum and dog-owner. I feel immense gratitude to those who have worked so hard to secure the community purchase. I now feel it’s my turn to step forward and share the responsibility for this magical place by offering what I can in skills, time and experience.

I am passionate about Heavens Valley as a place of ecological renewal, community creativity, and shared stewardship. As a director, I would welcome the opportunity to continue helping guide its development in a way that reflects its values of inclusion, sustainability, and collective care.

I live right next to the Heavens Valley and have been part of the campaign since it began, first as one of the co-ordinators for the Action Group and later as a director and co-ordinator for the Heavens Valley CBS.

Brimscombe & Thrupp Parish Council Nominee

I would like to be elected to continue as a Director because I love the Heavens and am committed to make this amazing community buy-out a long-term success for both nature and the community. I have put lots of effort into getting this far and am prepared to work hard to get us to the next stage. I have the experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to make it happen.

I’d be pleased to join the board of trustees for the Heavens, bringing expertise and experience in nature finance, nature policy and community food growing. I’m keen on helping the Heavens incorporate community food production, generate revenue from nature markets, and become an exemplar and model for others wishing to do similar nationally.

Under 25-year-old Director category

I am 16 years old and have lived near and used the Heavens my whole life. From paddling and picnicking as a toddler to swinging, tree climbing and den building as a kid to now mostly walking and hanging out with friends, family and sometimes solo.