Community Group Faces Deadline for Beauty Spot Purchase Funds

A community campaign group is facing its last day to secure the outstanding funds required for the acquisition of a popular local beauty spot. The Heavens Valley Community Benefit Society, which is spearheading the community-led purchase of the Heavens Valley in Stroud, needs to raise approximately £5,000 to meet its fundraising goal by November 1. The society’s fundraising objective is £300,000 to finalize the transaction, with an additional £550,000 of the total £850,000 purchase price being provided as a loan by two local community members. Martin Whiteside, representing the society, stated that the sale must be concluded by early November. In September, The Heavens Valley Community Benefit Society successfully bid to acquire the 102-acre Thrupp Farm. This land, locally referred to as the Heavens, features a waterfall and meadows and sees extensive use by both residents and tourists. “We are at an absolutely pivotal stage,” Mr Whiteside commented. “The current landowner has accepted the community offer but the sale needs to be completed in early November.” Over the past several months, The Heavens Valley Community Benefit Society team has accumulated funds via donations and share sales; however, the exchange of contracts is contingent upon securing the remaining few thousand pounds. Mr Whiteside appealed to individuals who made pledges to honor them if feasible, and requested donations from those in a position to contribute. He further stated: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring a major piece of land into community ownership to enable nature recovery and community access in perpetuity.” “We are so close to achieving this.”