Imagine a serene, chemical-free outdoor swimming oasis nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire, where you can take a dip in geothermal pools that stay warm year-round—even on a frosty December morning. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s closer to reality than you might think. Stroud Waters, a community-driven initiative, is making waves with its ambitious plan to create a natural outdoor swimming spot that blends the beauty of nature with the joy of swimming. But here’s where it gets controversial: can such a project truly be sustainable, affordable, and accessible to all? Let’s dive in.
Last year, Stroud Waters launched a Crowdfunder campaign (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdjg2lpw8zvo) to test the waters—literally—and raised an impressive £36,000 to explore the feasibility of their vision. Since then, the team has been hard at work, conducting a community survey and researching over 20 other outdoor swimming venues, from lakes to lidos. The feedback? Overwhelmingly positive, with 850 participants emphasizing their love for swimming, saunas, and coffee—a trifecta of relaxation. But this is the part most people miss: the project isn’t just about swimming; it’s about creating a social hub where people can connect with nature and each other.
Amy Morris, the project’s founder, is no stranger to the transformative power of cold water swimming. After becoming ‘addicted’ to it while training for the Winter Swimming World Championships in Slovenia, she’s now on a mission to bring this experience to her community. ‘We want to create somewhere beautiful and relaxing where people can come to be in nature,’ she explains. The plan includes a pool that changes temperature with the seasons, perfect for both cold water enthusiasts and those who prefer a warmer dip in summer. Plus, there’s a geothermal heated area for year-round access—a game-changer for those who shiver at the thought of winter swimming.
The project has already secured a stunning location: Court Farm, surrounded by the lush green pastures of the Cotswold Way, thanks to a generous donation from local farmer Adam Knight. But it doesn’t stop there. Plans also include changing rooms, a sauna, and a spot to grab a drink—because what’s swimming without a post-dip coffee? And here’s the bold part: Morris is exploring partnerships with the NHS for social prescribing, making the space affordable and accessible to those who need it most. Is this the future of community wellness, or a lofty ideal? We’ll let you decide.
As the project moves into its next phase—finalizing a robust business plan and consulting with the council for planning permission—the team remains optimistic. ‘In December 2026, we’ll know for sure about the location,’ Morris says, her excitement palpable. ‘It’s really exciting.’ But the journey isn’t over yet. The Crowdfunder is still open for donations to cover ongoing costs, and Morris is urging anyone passionate about this vision to get involved. After all, this isn’t just about swimming—it’s about building a community space that nurtures both body and soul.
What do you think? Is this the kind of project your community needs, or is it too ambitious? Let us know in the comments below. And if you’re in Gloucestershire, follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/bbcgloucestershire), X (https://twitter.com/BBCGlos), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/bbcradioglos/?hl=en) to stay updated. Got a story idea? Send it our way via email or WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630 (https://bbc.in/47DEoQy). Let’s keep the conversation—and the swimming—going!
