Heavens Valley Action Group

11/10/2026

Could you help us find the first sign of dormice in the Heavens?
Dormice are declining in the UK. Although they are found in parts of the Stroud Valleys, they have yet to be recorded in the Heavens.

Dormice are rarely seen as they hibernate during the winter and in summer are only active at night.

But during the autumn they feed up on nuts and berries to build up fat stores for winter hibernation. And dormice open hazelnuts in a very specific way to get at the kernel within.

So by checking hazelnuts dropped under hazel bushes, it is possible to tell if dormice are present. Dormice leave a smooth inner rim with toothmarks at an angle to the hole on the surface, different from the marks left by wood mice and bank voles.
If you think you’ve spotted signs of these cute rodents, please record on the iRecord app https://irecord.org.uk/ with location and a photo. Or contact us at us [email protected] with the location.

08/10/2026

We’re looking for an experienced comms person to join our friendly team in a self-employed 8-hour-a-week paid role providing support in various comms duties. More info here: https://www.heavensvalley.org.uk/latest/hiring

07/10/2026

Followers may remember the brilliant fundraising gig by singer-guitarist-songwriter Natalie Shay, who performed in aid of the Heavens campaign a year or so ago. Well, Natalie will be back in Stroud on November 14, playing at The Prince Albert , Stroud.
Tickets cost £11 from

06/10/2026

Lovely pics of the recent AGM, by Heavens supporter and professional photographer Cllr Gill Thomas

01/10/2026

A bicycle was found in the Heavens about a week ago, possibly abandoned. If anyone has had one stolen please get in touch with details of the colour and make of the missing bike.

01/10/2026

We’re so pleased to welcome our three new directors, Sarah, Matthew and Nicky, to the Heavens Valley CBS board. They bring a variety of skills and experience that will be super-useful to the ongoing management of this beautiful space.

Heavens Valley welcomes three new directors to its board

23/09/2026

Huge thanks to Cllr Chloe Turner for her calm, knowledgeable and efficient chairing at last night's AGM. And, of course, to the whole team, who variously gave talks, answered questions, registered attendees, handled paperwork, took photos and videos and generally helped out in all manner of ways.
Thanks also to all the shareholders and other supporters who took the time to attend the meeting, vote and ask questions. You all contributed to a really successful evening.

18/09/2026

A reminder that our AGM and annual gathering takes place on Tuesday September 22 at the Sub Rooms in Stroud.

It’s open to everyone, though only shareholders will be able to have a say in matters needing a vote, such as the election of three new directors and any resolutions.

The event is a chance to hear what the CBS has done over the past year and to take a look at the financial accounts.

The meeting starts at 7.30pm prompt and should finish by 9.30pm. Doors will be open from 6.30pm. To register to attend the meeting:

Join us at the Heavens Valley CBS Annual Gathering and AGM!

12/09/2026

The wonderful The Summerfield Charitable Trust, whose generous funding enabled us – among other things - to repay the loans to buy the Heavens Valley, has now given £1million to help fund other community ownership schemes in Gloucestershire.
This is such good work and we remain so grateful to the SCT for securing the community ownership of our beautiful little piece of the county.💚💚 💚 Punchline Gloucester

A new countywide initiative to help communities protect threatened wildlife sites is being launched.