A community initiative from Stroud, showing that affordable climbing is possible when people come together.
So the community owns it — not an individual, the banks, or shareholders.
Making climbing accessible for the disadvantaged, disempowered and marginalised.
So that other communities can learn from our mistakes and lead the way.
A passionate group of local volunteers who came together to make this project a reality.
Marc Sowik
Social researcher. Wanted somewhere in Stroud to climb and to introduce his kids to the sport.
Carl Ranscombe
Development project manager, local business owner and father of two. Keen to break down barriers to climbing in Stroud.
Alastair Scott
Local furniture maker with a background in sustainable construction and architecture. Father of 2, keen cyclist and lapsed climber.
Josh Malby
Worked on large-scale construction with Laing O'Rourke, then pursued furniture making and fabrication. Site manager and climber of 6 years.
Chikara Shimasaki
Human identity and social cohesion specialist working in commoning. Background as a primary school teacher. Father of 3.
Edward Muns-faleyev
Bio coming soon.
Tom Williamson
Bio coming soon.
Michael Hobson
Bio coming soon.
Climbing Commons has been shaped by far more than the current core group. These are the people who gave their time, skills and energy to get us here — whether they're still with us or have moved on to other things. We're grateful to every one of them.
Michael
Aaron
Matt
Ronan
Sid
George
Humphrey
Matt
Steven
Over 100 climber volunteers in our community — builders, architects, engineers, designers, outdoor instructors, route setters, social researchers, project managers, business owners and many more. If you'd like to volunteer your skills and expertise, join us.
Join the community →