Sea levels are rising and that is not in doubt.
Maps from Climate Central show what land will be under water by 2050.
Here we show the map for the Berkeley & Sharpness area and it is shocking!
What can be done about it?
The Severn – high tides, storms, tidal surges & rising sea level
Here in the Vale of Berkeley we live right beside one of the world’s extreme geographical features – the second highest tidal range in the world!
Here is an interesting article about record high tides here on the upper Severn Estuary.
And with rising sea levels, what does the future hold?
Education & Employment – Scenic Walks from Berkeley, Newtown & Wanswell
NEW for weekend 5 & 6 June 2021
This lovely walk consists of 2 loops which can be started in Berkeley, Newtown (Sharpness) or Wanswell. The loops can be done as shorter individual walks, or joined together.
There are magical green lanes, big views of the Severn, and gently sloping lush green meadows with ancient oaks. With the buttercups currently out, the scenery is full of natural beauty.
In terms of the impact of the proposed development, one loop highlights employment and the other education.
Map, easy directions and photos are all here.
Local residents gather for a socially distanced walk
On Sunday 30 May 2021 a number of residents gathered for a short – and very socially distanced walk – along the very lovely Lip Lane.
This lane forms part of the Scale of Development Walk which goes around the perimeter of the proposed development, clearly demonstrating the scale of 5,000 new houses.
Berkeley Byways is already gaining traction with growing recognition. It has had many website visitors since its launch only 3 weeks ago!
Please keep it up and keep visiting and we will keep posting new content!
Scale of Development – a Walk around the Berkeley Cluster
NEW for Spring Bank Holiday weekend 29/30/31 May 2021
This walk goes around the perimeter of the land by on which Stroud is proposing 5,000 new houses be built in the Berkeley & Sharpness area.
The route takes you over lush green fields and by the internationally important Severn SSSI & Ramsar site. You will be able to see first hand the sheer scale of Stroud’s plans to build over all this countryside.
Map, directions and photos all included.
Berkeley Railway Walk
NEW for weekend 22 & 23 May 2021
The first walk has a ‘railway theme’ and has been split into two very easy, short walks due to the weather and recent rainfall. This Berkeley walk takes you to the old Berkeley Station and the heritage railway project which are well worth a look. Even if you walk just the very short and paved first bit of this route, you will have an interesting and rewarding walk.
Map, easy directions and photos are all here.
Sharpness Railway Walk
NEW for weekend 22 & 23 May 2021
The first walk has a ‘railway theme’ and has been split into two very easy, short walks due to the weather and recent rainfall. This Sharpness walk takes you around old tracks and to a great view of the docks, then over a bridge for a bird’s eye view of the railway line. There is footpath link between this and the Berkeley Railway walk, giving the option to connect the two walks.
Map, directions and photos are all now included here.
The Walks Explained
This post quickly explains the concept and how you can easily and flexibly join in walking the Berkeley Byways ANYTIME!
Walking Berkeley Vale’s endangered rural byways: Why and what is it?
Until midnight on 21st July 2021, we are in the final consultation on the huge housing development proposed and recently approved by Stroud District Council.
Pretty much every green field between Berkeley and Sharpness and areas throughout Wansell, Hinton and Brookend would be turned into an enormous new build housing estate.
The so called “Sharpness Eco Village” would constitute over 5,000 houses….. Please read more