New Stroud scheme launches to connect communities, artists and farmers

The connection between the landscape, farming and the food we eat is being demonstrated in action this summer through Stroud’s Growing Places project.

Earlier this year larch trees from Folly wood on the hill above Slad have been felled and sawn into planks.

Now they’re being used to build a new set of compost bins at Stroud Community Agriculture. This in time will lead to healthier soil and better vegetables

Primary school pupils, growers and composting experts have all contributed to this creative project which aims to bring people closer to the food they eat.

So far people of all ages have taken  part in the Growing Places workshops at the Common Soil open day,  the Museum in the Park, Hawkwood and Oakbrook Farm.

Andy Freedman, one of the Growing Places team said:  ‘This project is about the value for everyone of getting out into nature, locally grown food and doing something creative.

"The aim is to connect communities, artists and farmers through a range of exciting workshops and events in the valleys around Stroud."

The project is running a series of public activities around Stroud over the summer and autumn which will include rural crafts, painting, storytelling, cooking and photography, as well as composting.

Run by artists’ group Walking the Land, the project invites people to get involved in a wide range of creative projects, finishing with an exhibition at the Museum  in the new year.

Chalford based artist Rachel McDonnell is another member of the Growing Places team: ‘Two exciting opportunities for both artists and the community are part of the project. The Loom Wall will incorporate creative responses made by groups walking in the area, combined with work by artists working in stone and glass. In the woods there will be a Gingerbread House where young and old visitors alike will be immersed  in the wonder of weaving a story and the astounding intricacy of the world around us.’

The project is  about the links between the  local landscape, the food we eat and the value of getting really immersed in nature. 

Art walks, workshops, tree planting and storytelling are some of the creative activity days which will happen just outside the town. Stroud Community Agriculture, Oakbrook Community Farm, Hawkwood and Stroud Woodland Co-op are all partners in the project and other farmers local to Stroud who are interested in regenerative agriculture.

By using art to engage people with the natural beauty of this area,  Growing Places  will also explore examples of farming which restore the land, and grow healthy food while working with nature.

Richard Keating, co-founder of Walking the Land said: ‘Within Growing Places we’re delighted that there are a number of connected elements with opportunities for the whole community including schools, local groups, walkers and anyone keen on the countryside to get involved.

"By the end of the project we plan to have a directory of artists, landowners and groups so  local communities can continue the connections with arts, food, farming and landscape.’

A series of walks will explore the areas and create a Growing Places Map to celebrate farming and woodland management which increase biodiversity.

With financial support from Cotswold National Landscape and the FiPL fund, the project also includes the  Community Family Tree. Here woodblock printing will be used to  commemorate peoples’ involvement with tree planting and woodland management along the route of a walk and to create an online map for future generations to visit.