Updates
It’s been almost a year since the Stroud Waters Spacehive Crowdfunder was successful. Since then the team has been growing, and we have been working on gathering research to inform and develop our business case. Thankyou also to those who has donated money since last February – after the December BBC coverage there was a flurry of donations which excited us – this money was gratefully received and banked for CIC business costs, training and unforeseen feasibility outgoings. As our business case development continues I wanted to share a snapshot of what the community survey last summer revealed. The message is clear: Stroud wants Stroud Waters! What the Community Survey Told Us: With over 800 responses, the survey shows strong and heartfelt support for a community-led, nature-rich, chemical-free outdoor swimming space that enhances wellbeing, connection, and biodiversity. A Natural Pool, Rooted in Nature: Respondents overwhelmingly prioritised • A nature-rich setting • Chemical-free, bio-filtered water • Use of renewable energy This confirms that the core Stroud Waters vision — swimming in harmony with nature — strongly resonates with our community. Open to All Seasons: More than half of respondents said they would use the pool year-round, with peak use in spring and summer. For the cooler months, there is clear enthusiasm for: • A lightly heated section (rather than a fully heated pool) • Sauna and cold-water dipping This supports our plans for a low-energy, seasonal design that stays true to the natural ethos. Affordability & Inclusion Matter Most: Affordable access was the number one priority. • Nearly 70% said they’d be more likely to attend if subsidised options were available • Strong support emerged for tiered pricing, concessions, and community-supported access This reinforces our commitment to ensuring Stroud Waters is welcoming and inclusive for all. Wellbeing, Education & Social Impact: People are excited not just about swimming, but about what it enables: • Water safety and confidence education • Wellbeing and mental health sessions • Nature education • Social prescribing through the NHS These responses affirm Stroud Waters as a space for health, learning, and connection, not just recreation. Proudly Local: Most respondents live in or near Stroud, and the majority would travel less than 10 miles to visit. This confirms Stroud Waters as a genuinely local asset, designed for everyday community use. Moving Forward — Together: The survey shows a strong alignment between community hopes and the Stroud Waters vision: • Nature-aligned • Inclusive • Community-owned • Environmentally responsible • Financially viable Thank you for being part of this journey. Your voices are directly shaping the design, pricing, and purpose of Stroud Waters — and helping to create a place that can be cherished for generations to come. Please get in touch by emailing me ([email protected]) if you are interested in volunteering. We are currently developing a volunteer strategy so we can reach our goals for this year and join with those who would like to contribute towards this exciting vision. For those who showed in interest in being part of the team, via the survey, I will be reaching out to you soon. We’re so grateful for your continued support. Keep on Swimming! Amy Morris Stroud Waters Project www.communitywaters.co.uk
Water’s getting colder, but being outside in water is feeling fantastic!!! Community survey for Stroud Waters Research Project closes end of today. Please take 5 mins to complete the survey. Thankyou for those who already have! https://survey.websurveycreator.com/s/communitywater This is a community project to create a safe, natural pool that is open all year round (with potential for a geothermal area). Our business case will be shaped by your thoughts! Let’s do this! Thankyou Amy xx
Massive thank you to everyone who has already shared their thoughts with us via the online survey. Your input is vital in shaping our vision for a natural, safe swimming space in Stroud that supports well-being, connection, and biodiversity. We’re aware that some of you may have experienced an error when trying to complete the survey . We’re pleased to confirm that this issue has now been fixed, and the link should work smoothly for everyone. https://survey.websurveycreator.com/s/communitywater If you haven’t had the chance yet, please note that the survey will be closing soon. This is your opportunity to help guide decisions on design features, community priorities, and how Stroud Waters can best serve local people for generations to come. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey before it closes — your voice really matters in bringing this project to life. With gratitude. Keep on Swimming! Amy Morris Founder and Director Community Waters CIC www.communitywaters.co.uk [email protected]
🌊 Stroud Waters is coming… and we need your voice! 🌿 Please take a few minutes to fill in our short community survey. This is part of our research project to inform the business case: https://survey.websurveycreator.com/s/communitywater We’re creating a natural swimming space for Stroud — a safe, inclusive, and sustainable outdoor swimming area designed to boost wellbeing, bring people together, and connect us with nature. But this project belongs to the whole community — so we want to know what matters to you: ✨ A family zone for play? ✨ A year-round heated area? ✨ A peaceful space for dipping and relaxation amidst nature? Your voice will help shape the design, features, and community benefits of Stroud Waters. 💬 Share the survey far and wide — with friends, family, neighbours, local groups — the more voices, the stronger the vision! Thankyou so much!!! Amy Morris Stroud Waters Project
