Where is it?
Stockwell Common is a site of some 7 acres set in the AONB and sited at the top of Stockwell Lane and bordered by the B4632 (Cleeve Hill to Winchcombe Road). The Common can be easily accessed from the layby opposite ‘Lou’s view’ and has a public footpath running through it (AW034).
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What is the History?
Before the advent of the B4632 Stockwell Common would have formed part of Cleeve Common and likely used as grazing for sheep. There are clear signs of small-scale quarrying some of which may have taken place hundreds of years ago.
Officially ‘no man’s land’, the local authority is responsible for the maintenance of the area so in this case this is now Tewkesbury Borough Council who are seeking to delegate this to Woodmancote Parish Council.
Why is important to retain and manage Stockwell Common
This land is set in the AONB and based on a recent ecological assessment, with a relatively low level of annual maintenance, we may be able to retain some of the remnants of ancient grassland and other species that still exist there and hopefully encourage these to spread further throughout the Common. In addition, the Common is home to wildlife and we are keen to both encourage and protect the local wildlife where we can for the benefit of the local community.
Who is doing the work?
The Voluntary Cotswold Wardens with support from Woodmancote Parish Council are doing this ‘maintenance’ work’. In addition, the Wardens are replacing and repairing some of the wooden steps on the public footpath to make access to the Common easier.
Below are just a few photographs, taken mid-March 2024, that capture the beauty of this common and the improvements being made to improve the access.
