Meet Claure Mahdiyone, CEo at Stroud Valleys Project
If you’re interested in wildlife, biodiversity or sustainable living and you live within the valleys and vale of Stroud district, you’re likely to have crossed paths with Clare Mahdiyone at some point. She’s perhaps best known as chief executive officer of people-powered conservation charity Stroud Valleys Project… but there’s a lot more to Clare than that…
You wear a number of different hats. Can you tell us about them?
I work at Stroud Valleys Project four days a week overseeing the work we do in our community. I’m also a director at Stroud Common Wealth, which fosters active dialogue with like-minded people from all over the country, with the aim of building a community of practice. A couple of decades ago, Stroud Common Wealth ran a cutting-edge action research project to help develop Community Farm Land Trusts, and we helped secure community ownership for Fordhall Farm in Shropshire – the first community-owned farm in the country!
Carrying on the farming theme, for the last few months, I’ve been working with the Heavens Valley Action Group to try and secure the purchase of 100 acres of farmland for community use. I also oversee management of the Exchange, a shared community workspace with meeting rooms and hot desks – and a lovely green space where co-workers can enjoy lunch and a supportive chat.
How do you feel different organisations in Stroud work together?
It varies! Stroud Valleys Project works in partnership with many organisations, and we’ve found it’s about building relationships and being aware of the differing values of organisations and their strengths and weaknesses – and our own!
How did you become involved with Stroud Valleys Project (SVP) and how would you describe the charity’s work?
I started working at Stroud Valleys Project 18 years ago on a six-month maternity cover contract… and I’m still there! We currently have 18 projects around the Stroud district working with people and communities to improve their local environment and at the same time connecting people from all walks of life with nature, which has a positive effect on their health and wellbeing. We run an annual programme of nature events, from bat walks to bioblitzes to Bumblebee safaris, and our eco shop generates income to support our charitable work.
What are your proudest achievements with SVP?
I’m proud of our staff team and volunteers and the work they do. Every week something makes me proud; recently it was winning the Stroud News and Journal Community Award for an environmental project, for our tree planting work in the district. We’ve planted well over 10,000 tree in the past few years, and this coming season, we have plans to plant more than ever before.
You’re also heavily involved with the Heavens Valley Action Group. Tell us more about that.
When I first moved to Stroud, I lived on Horns Road, which is close to the Heavens Valley. I spent lots of time there with my friends and family and it is a special place. When the Heavens Valley Action Group started, I got involved, both because of my personal interest and because community ownership of green spaces fits with the objectives of Stroud Valleys Project.
Have you always worked in the charity sector?
I started off working in the corporate sector but after a few years moved into the charity sector. I worked for several years as a consultant, getting involved in setting up new projects and eventually took on an employee role at SVP.
How do you find living in Stroud?
I moved from Bristol; I ended up in Stroud because I knew a few people here and it was halfway between Bristol where I had friends and Cheltenham where my parents live. I love living in Stroud: I can cycle or walk to work, I’ve made lots of good friends here and I love the outdoors, especially walking.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m looking forward to developing new partnerships, working with communities to make a difference. If you’re reading this and you have an idea for a project, come and talk to us and we’ll help you if we can.
Three things you can do today:
- Plant and grow something – food you can eat, wildflowers for wildlife or a tree
- Avoid single-use plastic; refill (preferably at SVP eco shop!) and reuse
- Buy clothes in charity shops… or come to our twice annual Eco Clothes Swap!
Find out about more local Stroud Transitioneers
If you would like to share your sustainable living story, please contact Josephine on news@transitionstroud.org