Green transport policy
The Centre’s policy on sustainable transport put into practice:
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1 Access
Visitors will be strongly encouraged to visit the centre using alternative transport, as part of the spirit and philosophy of the centre, which sets out to raise awareness of the necessity of green transport.
Visitors will be given incentives and information to help them realise the benefits of alternative transport so that they can consider leaving their cars at home or in existing car parks. |
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2 Reduction of pollution
The Centre itself sets out to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions, not only through encouraging alternative transport access but also by a comprehensive tree planting and tree preservation policy which provides a local counter-balance to harmful emissions. The farm’s silvopastoral practice sets out to meet objectives, such as Agenda 21, in the reduction of pollution as well as demonstrating sustainable use of the environment through mixed experimental, complementary, farming practice.
In addition visitor awareness is raised about CO2 emissions and the importance of eco-systems. |
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3 School oriented projects
The project will address key issues in the School National Curriculum and involve student groups who at present have to travel out of the county to study rural awareness and environmental topics. It is hoped schools will be encouraged to reduce such journeys and that pupils and staff will become more aware of GTP in their area. |
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4 Tourism
By linking in with other attractions such as Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust and the nearby Woodchester Park and Mansion, the Centre will offer an additional experience, keeping visitors in the locale. |
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5 Local people
The Centre will provide an amenity for local people wishing to use the nature trail, and farm walks. |
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Plan for Green Transport
The rural setting of the centre and a desire to preserve this sensitive environment has resulted in a carefully integrated plan which links new access with existing public transport networks, as follows:
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New and existing alternative access
A proposed new footpath will link the Nympsfield end of the farm to the windturbine.
The farm has gained permission from the Woodland Trust to make use of the footpath from Selsey Common to the viewpoint at Frocester, for pedestrians and cyclists, and to advertise this in the Centre literature.
People will therefore be able to leave their cars, using existing car parks, then cycle or walk via scenic routes to the Centre.
Circular routes have been plotted from Stroud, Selsey Common, Woodchester Park and Mansion, Stonehouse and Nailsworth, to the Centre, taking account of the Nailsworth-Stonehouse cycle track.
These routes connect with 2 railway stations, 3 major bus stations and numerous car parks in the area.
To encourage the use of sustainable transport, anyone demonstrating that they have used such alternative routes to the farm will be given a concessionary discount. |
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New bus-stop
A provisional agreement to locate a new bus-stop, adjacent to the Centre, on Tinkley Lane, has been drawn up. Nympsfield is serviced by buses from Stroud and Dursley. |
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Special bus services
The Stroud green bus service, run by Adrian Lawton, is intended to be used to collect groups from various locations as and when necessary. Again, a discount will be given to these groups. |
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Richard Kelly
Thistledown Farm
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