LATEST NEWS: AWARD FOR THE SEVERNSIDE PROJECT!

Gloucester City Council's Severnside Project has received a top Award in recognition of it's work conserving the County's most endangered mammal, the water vole.  To find out more, click here.

We are fortunate in Gloucester to have one of England's greatest rivers flowing through its rural/urban fringe. The River Severn is not only a wonderful visual and wildlife amenity, it also carries centuries of local folklore, culture and on going tradition. It is difficult to separate Gloucester's history from the River. Its very location is a result of being the lowest crossing point, a crossroads between England and Wales. Of similar importance to the City is the Sharpness Ship Canal, completed in 1827, for years it provided Gloucester with its wealth and status. It is somewhat quieter now, however it is still appreciated for its recreational, wildlife and visual value.

The Severnside Project focuses on the area between these 2 great waterways, from Gloucester all the way down to Arlingham and through the employment of a project officer it helps manage the land to

• Conserve enhance and manage important habitats in order to enhance biodiversity in the area
• Conserve, enhance and manage the traditional landscape character of the flood plain
• Increase opportunities for quiet informal countryside recreation.
• Provide opportunities for local community participation in the project and environmental education
• Enable some of the land to be profitably farmed and managed in an environmentally sensitive manner with wildlife in mind.

To achieve these aims the project works with local landowners, community groups, businesses, volunteers and schools. Projects vary and include working with local volunteers to improve the public rights of way network. The project also works very closely with local landowners to access government sponsored agri environment schemes that will enable long lasting habitat, landscape and access improvements.

The project area is a unique tract of land that offers great opportunities for the quiet enjoyment of the countryside. As well as local people being involved on volunteer days, a programme of walks and other events goes on throughout the year. Why not join in and make the most of what’s on your doorstep. You may well be surprised.

Contact: Jane Willmott

Telephone: 01452 396801

Fax: 01452 396668

Email: Jane.Willmott@gloucester.gov.uk