4 March 2021
Preservation and re-introducing butterflies
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Ash dieback work
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Large blue butterfly reintroduction
Project
Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Advisory Committee
The commons at Minchinhampton and Rodborough are important for nature conservation and for their geology, archaeology and cultural history. They are known for their traditional grazing practices, which continue despite the pressures from modern farming and urban growth. We work in collaboration with an advisory committee, and members bring ideas and help us with the thinking and decision making that affect the commons.
Surveys help us to monitor wildlife
The committee consists of National Trust staff and volunteers and representatives from local stakeholder groups like the golf club, Parish Councils, residents and the grazing communities. We work together to support the National Trust's aims and aspirations for protecting and managing the commons.
Objectives of the committee
The committee works to maintain the commons as an open space, while protecting them from damage and development. We want them to continue to be enjoyed and loved long into the future.
Management aims on the commons
We have five key management aims for nature conservation on the commons.
- To maintain and enhance a rich mixture of habitats, especially the grassland but also taking account of the woodland and scrub. The type of grassland found on the commons is increasingly rare in Britain and its conservation is a priority.
- Fulfil the National Trust's legal obligations for the Sites of Special Scientific Interest and the Special Area of Conservation.
- Look after the plants and animals of the commons, following the advice of English Nature.
- Improve the quality of the grassland through good management. This involves controlling the scrub, careful grazing and protecting sensitive and especially rich areas from erosion and damage.
- Continue to undertake survey and monitoring work.
Committee meetings
The committee meets regularly to discuss some of the challenges facing the commons. Members support the National Trust in thinking of ways to make things better. The fully constituted committee meet four times a year, including an Annual General Meeting held in the summer.
There are also three sub-groups which members are encouraged to sit on. These groups focus on delivery and implementation of ideas.
Open meeting
There's an open meeting in the spring. The community can come together to discover more about the challenges facing the commons and hear more about plans for the future and work. There's usually a guest speaker or two.
We always leave enough time for questions so if there's anything you want the answer to, commons related of course, you can pop in and we’ll try our best to provide an answer. Everyone is welcome.
Recent Committee meetings
Post-covid
26 November 2020
Post-covid
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National Trust coronavirus update
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Coronavirus and changes/ impacts on the commons
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Stakeholder engagement
Elections and communications
17 September (AGM) 2020
Elections and communications
- Election of members and officers
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National Trust coronavirus update
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Feasibility report: consultation
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Communications and community engagement plans
Feasibility reports
11 June 2020
Feasibility reports
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Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons feasibility report
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National Trust coronavirus update
Subgroups of the Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons Advisory Committee
Committee members are encouraged to sit on and participate in at least one of the three committee subgroups. These groups focus on the delivery and implementation of ideas and improvements.
The subgroups meet at least four times a year but can meet more regularly to talk about emerging issues. Members of subgroups use their own networks to help communicate the work of the National Trust and wider committee.
Subgroups and their aims
Communications
- Promoting awareness of the importance of the commons
- Increasing knowledge about the work of the committee
- Working with local schools to inspire students in their appreciation of the commons and encourage partnership working on community projects
- Seeking sponsorship and donations for projects
Vegetation and conservation
- Fostering good working relationships with the graziers
- Proactively managing major work
- Contributing to the review of management plans
- Undertaking survey and monitoring work
- Increasing biodiversity
Vehicle management
- Providing support on the outcomes of vehicle feasibility studies
- Ideas for controlling erosion caused by the increasing pressure from vehicles and visitors
- Discussing vehicle related issues and agreeing actions for the National Trust to implement
Discover Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons
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