Not every council is fortunate enough to own a Grade I listed mansion, and plans to secure the long-term future of Woodchester Mansion have taken an important step forward after Stroud District Council agreed funding of up to £245,000 to support the next phase of the project.

It's 10 years since the Museum in the Park's Walled Garden transformed from a neglected space into one of Stroud's most loved attractions.

Join a special programme of events, including a plant sale, eco-printing workshop, illustrated talk, exhibitions, and free half-term family activities.

Highlights include:

• Pop-up Plant Sale - 17-18 October
• Eco Printing Workshop  -17 October
• The Story of Stroud's Secret Garden talk - 18 October
• From Wasteland to Wonder slideshows - 20-24 October
• Free 'Garden Stories' half-term activities - 27-29 October

A huge thank you to the volunteers, community groups, artists and supporters who have helped the garden flourish over the past decade.

As part of Fight Fly-Tipping Fortnight, we're warning residents: don't get caught out by rogue traders.

Every year, thousands of tonnes of waste are illegally dumped by rogue operators offering cheap waste collection services, often through social media and online marketplaces. 

Top Tips:

• Check anyone removing your waste has a valid Waste Carrier Registration 
• Use the council's bulky waste collection service for larger household items.
• If a waste removal deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

For larger unwanted items, our bulky waste collection service offers a simple and affordable way to dispose of them responsibly.

By taking a few simple steps, everyone can help prevent fly-tipping and keep the district looking its best.

The Cotswold Canals Connected partnership has achieved the prestigious Building with Nature Full Award, recognising the project's success in creating places that benefit both people and wildlife.

The award recognises the transformation of the canal corridor through habitat creation, improved access to nature, active travel routes and environmental improvements. Once fully established, the project will have created more than 21 hectares of priority habitat, 4km of species-rich hedgerows, 2km of wildflower-rich towpath verges, enhanced wetlands and a community orchard.

The accreditation is an independent endorsement of the high environmental standards delivered by the project and reflects the work of partners, local communities, volunteers and supporters who have helped create a lasting legacy for nature and future generations. 

After two back-to-back by-elections, I’m thrilled to be able to share what I’ve been up to again as SDC’s Litter Champion, and what a busy few months it has been!

From a bin audit with the National Trust to a major river clean-up for World Rivers Day, there’s been no shortage of action. I’ve been supporting Climate Action Network groups with local litter initiatives, meeting Stroud Town Council’s new CEO to discuss restoring pride in our parishes and continuing conversations around antisocial behaviour on the canal towpath.

I also successfully proposed an amendment to the council’s PSPO renewal resolution, calling for a stronger enforcement strategy.

I’ve been developing my work on environmental education with the Ministry of Eco Education, delivering school assemblies and working with GCC to tackle shredded litter through the GRWP Litter Working Group, which I chair.

Throughout October, I’m running and litter-picking 250km for Run for Autism, raising funds for Autism Initiatives and Child Bereavement UK – raising awareness about how autistic children experience bereavement and shining a light on a gap in understanding. If you’d like to support my efforts, you can do so using the link below.

Phew! Plenty happening, and lots more to come. Watch this space!

To mark Flood Action Week we shared a video on our social media channels of some of our natural flood management work taking place in the Stroud valleys.

The film shows a tree being felled across a tributary of the River Frome to create a `leaky woody dam’. These slow the flow of water during heavy rainfall, helping to reduce flood risk downstream.

It’s one of more than 1,000 natural flood management interventions across the Frome catchment, all working together to help build resilience across the wider river network. 

Natural flood management brings other benefits too, including improved water quality, greater drought resilience and new habitats for wildlife.

While projects like this help reduce flood risk, it's also a good reminder to be prepared. Around 6.3 million homes and businesses across England are in areas at risk of flooding, and flooding can happen in places people don't expect.

Why not take a few minutes to check out Gloucestershire County Council’s Flood Guide, which shows you:

• how to check if your home is at risk of flooding
• how to prepare against flooding
• What do to during and after a flood

New Government changes to the planning system will come into effect across England on 31 October 2026.

Under the new rules, some planning applications will be decided solely by professional planning officers, while others may still be considered by the Planning Committee if they meet specific Government criteria and raise significant planning issues.

Most planning applications will continue to be decided by planning officers.

People will still be able to comment on planning applications, and Town and Parish Councils will continue to be consulted and have an important role in the process. Stroud District Council will publish more information on its website soon to explain what the changes mean for applicants and local communities.

If you're looking for things to do in the Stroud district this October, there's plenty on offer. From live music, theatre, exhibitions and workshops to markets, walks and community events, there are activities taking place across the district throughout the month.

With school half term and Hallowe'en just around the corner, the list also includes family-friendly trails, craft activities, spooky events and seasonal days out.

The Stroud & District Veterans Hub has moved to a new venue and is welcoming new members to join its monthly breakfasts.

Open to anyone who has served in the Armed Forces, the hub offers veterans the chance to meet others, share experiences and enjoy some camaraderie over breakfast.

The group meets on the first Saturday of every month at 9am at The Old Crown in Paganhill and welcomes veterans of all ages, backgrounds and services. 

Veterans interested in finding out more can contact the group directly or visit its Facebook page. 

Poppy Appeal volunteers are essential to the Royal British Legion's fundraising efforts across the UK, ensuring the public can show their support for the Armed Forces Community and make a donation for a poppy.

There is a range of opportunities to get involved, helping you connect with your local community, meet new people, and make a positive impact.

To find out more email: RBLStonehousePAO@outlook.com

Residents are being invited to help shape the future of transport across the county.

Gloucestershire County Council is consulting on its Local Transport Plan, which sets out how people will travel in the years ahead and covers issues including road networks, public transport, walking, cycling and sustainable travel.

The M5 will be closed in both directions between junctions 11 and 12 (including J11a) from 11pm Friday 16 October until 6am Monday 19 October while two footbridges are demolished.

In addition to the weekend closure, junction 11a northbound exit slip road will be closed 24/7 from 11pm on Sunday 11 October. The slip road will remain closed for approximately two weeks. This is to create a safe works compound to store the large machinery required for the demolition of the footbridges.

Diversion routes will be in place, which are expected to be very busy. Please follow diversion signs and not sat navs.

We've partnered with the Department for Work and Pensions to host monthly Jobs Fairs at our headquarters in Ebley Mill.

These events bring together a wide range of local employers, alongside employment support and practical advice, to help people explore job opportunities, training, and next steps into work.

Whether you’re looking for a new role, a career change, or guidance to get started, the Jobs Fairs offer a welcoming space to connect and learn.

Next Jobs Fair:  21 October, 10:15am – 12:30pm

The Government announced that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is being paused and reviewed, including proposals affecting Gloucestershire, and therefore Stroud District Council. 

Councils in Gloucestershire are seeking further information in addition to the Secretary of State's announcement to the House of Commons.

The Government says the review will ensure the reorganisation process is robust, complies with legal requirements, and aligns with its wider plans for devolution and local government reform.

At this stage, we do not have further details on the implications for Gloucestershire or the timescales for completing the review.