Heavens Valley Action Group

19/06/2026

We’re so delighted to have won the ‘Best Community Project or Group of the Year’ category at last night’s Stroud News & Journal awards!
We're grateful to everyone who made this possible: our supporters, shareholders, volunteers, donors, volunteer directors, and the community at large.
https://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/26206305.winners-snjs-community-awards-revealed-ceremony
Top photo: Community Engagement Coordinator Emma Kernahan and Volunteer Coordinator Fiona Ellis, after accepting the award at the event;
Bottom left: Community Engagement coordinator Emma Kernahan, and HVCBS directors Charlotte Chivers, Fiona Ellis, Karen Thomas, Sue Fenton and Tom Pedder (thanks to dog owner Steve, who stopped to take the pic for us when we met in the valley this evening with our Winner certificate!).
Bottom right: HVCBS directors Tom Pedder, Karen Thomas, Fiona Ellis, Sue Fenton, and Community Engagement coordinator Emma Kernahan.

19/06/2026

We're so chuffed to have been named the 'Best Community Project or Group of the Year' at last night’s SNJ awards!

Huge thanks to everyone who made this possible, not least our supporters, shareholders, donors, volunteers and the community at large who have gone above and beyond to bring this land into community ownership. 💚

STROUD HEROES were once again celebrated at a glitzy awards ceremony this evening.

18/06/2026

The annual Daisy Day community party takes place on Saturday June 27th, on Daisy Bank park next to the Crown & Sceptre.
As well as all manner of fun things organised by the Friends Of Daisy Bank (including a tombola, face painting, games, tea & cakes, and drinks available from the pub), there will be an informal table tennis tournament organised by the Heavens Valley CBS.
It’s suitable for all ages and abilities; just come along and register to play on the day.
Suggested donations of £2 (adult) and £1 (child) to go to Heavens funds.
Daisy Day as a whole, as well as being a super-enjoyable afternoon out for the community of all ages, helps to raise money towards the ongoing upkeep, mainly funded by Stroud Town Council, of the much-loved Daisy Bank.

17/06/2026

There are a few tickets still available for our midsummer moth-spotting event on Sunday (June 21). 🦋
Local lepidopterists Wendy Milner and Charlotte Schofield will be revealing the contents of two moth traps, part of our research into the valley's wildlife. All moths will be released unharmed once they’ve been identified and counted.
Tickets cost £6 (free for under-16s). Click on the link to book tickets.
A ticket would make a lovely gift for Father's Day, which is the same day.
https://buytickets.at/heavensvalleycbs/2223493

14/06/2026

Bat lovers, this event is for you!

A fantastic opportunity to build a highly capable, low-cost Bat Detector, tried and tested by citizen-scientists around the world!

Led by Phil Atkins from Wiltshire Bat Group. You will make a small-wearable (broach pin) 'Griff Mini' bat detector that connects to smartphones & tablets.

Taking place at our Trinity Rooms Community Hub on Sunday 28th June, 11am-2pm, with spaces limited, find out more / book tickets on our Website What's On Page today (direct link below).

www.stroudtrinityrooms.org/event-details-registration/build-your-own-bat-detector

12/06/2026

We are delighted to offer another opportunity to join a gentle yet uplifting Qigong session, this time on Saturday July 11.
This ancient Chinese practice is similar to Tai Chi, but slower and easy to follow, making it especially suitable for beginners.
Tickets cost £10, with a 'Pay it forward' option of £15.

Qigong in the Heavens Valley – The Heavens Valley - Bowbridge Lane entrance, Sat 11 Jul 2026 - We are delighted to offer you another opportunity to join a gentle yet uplifting Qigong session with Clare Ballard in Heavens Valley. Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice designed to cultivate health, b...

08/06/2026

We love this fascinating short wildlife film, the latest from Stroud-based Heavens lovers, film-maker Ewan Dryburgh and sound recordist Rick Blything.
During an early-morning outing in Standish Woods, they managed to capture the rarely seen sights and sounds of a Greater Spotted Woodpecker nest, high up in a tree. 🪺🌳
They hope to make a similar film in the Heavens at some point. 🙂

As with a lot of our natural discoveries they happen by chance and ...

07/06/2026

Thanks to the Stroud Rambling Club for inviting us on today’s two rambles (2.5 miles and 5 miles) in and around the Heavens, culminating in a picnic in the valley.
We had a lovely time seeing horses, sheep, cows, dogs, a variety of birds and all manner of trees and plants. There was a special treat when we came across nine-year-old Scarlett’s random act of kindness gift, left in the woods. If you know Scarlett, do thank her from us!
If you fancy joining some organised walks, you can find the Stroud Rambling Club’s walks programme at https://tinyurl.com/src-prog

06/06/2026

This morning’s Qigong class braved showers and enjoyed sunshine in the Heavens Valley.
One of the participants said afterwards: “It was wonderful to feel the wind in the trees and be in the open air while doing gentle exercise.”
The class, led by instructor Clare Ballard, took place in the oak woods near the stream, an area known as Oakley Grove on old maps.
Our Events page has info on other events we’re planning, all of which raise funds towards the ongoing care and maintenance of the valley. https://www.heavensvalley.org.uk/events