Groups
Preston on Stour Environmental Group (PEG)
Preston on Stour is a traditional English estate village, near Stratford upon Avon. It boasts a rich history, scenic landscape and a strong sense of community. The village comprises approximately 50 houses and a population of approx 100. The topography includes the River Stour and a variety of habitats, such as woodland, gardens and surrounding fields. Most of these fields are part of the Alscot Estate, managed for the benefit of nature and as part of a regenerative farming project. This habitat supports a range of wildlife including woodpeckers, kingfishers and buzzards.
The Preston on Stour Environmental Group (PEG) was established in 2014 following a Parish Plan which revealed that 92% of residents considered nature and the countryside to be important. This was a cause for celebration and led to the formation of PEG.
PEG continues to thrive and has grown from just 8 members to 45 currently (2026). Its aim is to encourage members to connect with nature, promote wildlife-friendly practices and provide enjoyable activities. Environmental talks, expert-led nature exploration, monthly walks, the installation of nest and bat boxes, biodiversity audits and the establishment and management of three wildflower areas within the village are some of the many opportunities made accessible to members and our wider community.
PEG will continue to pursue these objectives with enthusiasm in the coming years.
Current Projects & Initiatives
Giving Nature a Chance Project – Our Three Wildflower Areas
Since 2015, PEG has been experimenting with a biodiversity project focused on establishing wildflower areas within the village.
Since the 1930s, 97% of wildflower meadow areas have been lost throughout the UK, and PEG would like Preston on Stour to play a part in reversing this shocking decline of nature.
We believe that by sowing native wildflowers and other nectar-rich plants, combined with a ‘low-mow’ approach to some areas of the village, our community can contribute to this aim and raise awareness of the need for this.
We also believe that creating and managing our natural surroundings can bring neighbourhoods and communities together, connect people to nature and improve wellbeing.
Water Testing
Since August 2023, some of our members have been conducting water testing on a weekly basis as part of the SafeAvon Project.
Chemical test kits are used to analyse for nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates and also measure temperature.
This testing should help identify pollution and changes that could harm wildlife and public health and support environmental action that can be used to engage water companies, local councils and MPs to improve accountability.
Our first River Stour water test – August 2023
Contact us
Ready to make a difference for wildlife in South Warwickshire? Whether you have five minutes or five hours to spare, there’s a place for you in our growing community.
Contact us if you would like to get involved.
PEG Commitee Members
RON HOE – Chair
ronhoe@me.com – Tel: 07545 396 096
MARGARET BROCKLEHURST – Vice Chair
prestonbrocks@gmail.com – T:01789 450710
PHIL GRELLIER – Treasurer
phil.grellier@btinternet.com – T:01789 450644
CHRIS JONES – Minutes Secretary
jonesy_planet@icloud.com – T:- 07581 406899
CHRIS WRIGHT – Walks Coordinator
chriswright1@hotmail.co.uk T: 07971 879949
RICHARD BROCKLEHURST
prestonbrocks@gmail.com – T:01789 450710
DI HOE
di@sundaycottage.co.uk – Tel: – 07706 812901
LIZ HOLBERTON
lizholberton@hotmail.com – 07714 771727
Upcoming Events
Below is an up-to-date list of the events we have planed so far in 2026. We intend our walks to take place on the 3rd Saturday of each month and for them and all of our events to be open to family and friends, so please spread the word. Full details of each event will be provided nearer the time. We look forward to seeing you all at these events throughout the year.
Saturday 21 February
SNOWDROP WALK
Colesbourne Park Nr Cheltenham
Organiser and Information
Angie & Chris Wright – angie@chriswright.net
Saturday 14 March
AMPHIBIAN TALK
Preston on Stour Village Hall
Organiser and Information
Margaret Brocklehurst – Email prestonbrocks@gmail.com
Saturday 21 March
PEG Walk
Location to be announced.
Organiser and Information – To be announced
Saturday 18 April
BLUEBELL WALK
Location to be announced.
Organiser and Information – To be announced
Saturday 16 May
BIRD WALK
Brandon Marsh
Organiser and Information
Ron Hoe – ronhoe@me.com
Tuesday 19 May
ALSCOT REGENERATIVE FARMING WALK
Preston on Stour
Organiser and Information – Alscot
Saturday 13 June
MOTH TRAPS AND BACON BAPS EVENT
Lower Cottage Garden
Organiser and Information
Ron & Di Hoe – ronhoe@me.com
Saturday 20 June
PEG WALK
Location to be announced.
Organiser and Information – To be announced
