Arlingham Parish Council has successfully completed the restoration of its mediaeval village pound.

The project in the Gloucestershire village was made possible by a generous grant of £22,750 from Enovert Community Trust.

The restoration, a significant conservation effort, has not only preserved a vital piece of the village's heritage but also enhanced the area's biodiversity.

As part of a larger conservation effort of the stone livestock enclosure, the restoration and preservation of the pound not only retains the area's historical identity but also created a thriving biodiversity hotspot for wildlife in the form of wildflower areas. The project aims to enhance biodiversity while maintaining the pound as a public amenity for both villagers and visitors to enjoy.

The project concluded with a celebratory event on Saturday, July 6, where local residents gathered to witness the unveiling of the restored pound, which in mediaeval times would have been used to impound stray animals until they were claimed by their owners.

The event was a great success, highlighting the historical and environmental importance of the restoration efforts.

David Merrett, chairman of Arlingham Parish Council, said: "I'd like to thank Enovert Community Trust for its generous grant which enabled us to complete this project to the highest standard. The impressive appearance of our restored village pound is a testament to the traditional methods and re-used stone with lime mortar used by stonemason Bernard Roberts and his team.

"This project has not only preserved our heritage and created thriving biodiversity but also maximised accessibility. Although Arlingham offers mostly level terrain for walkers, we have further enhanced accessibility by replacing stiles along the routes with kissing gates."

Angela Haymonds, trust manager of Enovert Community Trust, said: "The trust is delighted to have supported the restoration of the Arlingham village pound. This project highlights the importance of conserving historical sites while considering local biodiversity and accessibility for its visitors. It's wonderful to see the community come together to celebrate such a great achievement."