Cotswold favourites: Dr Richard Erskine

Dr Richard Erskine has a doctorate in science from Cambridge; is a fellow of the sustainability think-tank, The Schumacher Institute; and co-founder of Nailsworth Climate Action Network, a community group dedicated to action on climate change.

Richard, what would be your ultimate Cotswold concierge service?

For me, it would be all about being taken around by someone with a knowledge of interesting places; great viewpoints. Marilyn, my wife, always wanted to go to India. So, when we retired, we not only went but made sure we had the ultimate concierge service: our guides included one with a PhD in ecology; another – in Mumbai – knew every inch of the city. In the Cotswolds, I’d want someone with knowledge of the woollen mills that shaped the area; who could look at a building and say, ‘That used to be a weaver’s cottage: you can tell from the shape of the ‘Flemish’ roofline’. 
A guide who knows that, if you go up Coaley Peak or onto Selsley Common, you’ll get a fabulous view across to the Severn. Or that Selsley has a church [All Saints] with William Morris & Co-designed windows: an absolute gem. Also, you’d want to see the flora and fauna: Rodborough Common has perfect little habitats where you’ll find the Chalk Hill Blue [butterfly]. That’s where I take my grandchildren on butterfly walks.

What do you consider the Cotswolds' most sustainable feature?

The number of businesses that are B Corp. It’s not about putting fancy words on your website; this is a rigorous certification process meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Take, for example, Hobbs House Bakery, Stroud Brewery, Austin Design Works: that’s just a flavour of many. B Corp isn’t the only way to be sustainable; but it is a way for the consumer to be confident that these places have gone the extra mile.

Which attraction do you most recommend to visiting friends?

Look out for Stroudwater Textile Trust , working to preserve the history of the mills. On open days, you can visit Dunkirk Mill, a pleasant stroll down Nailsworth cycle track: it’s residential nowadays but, underneath, there’s a museum on the woollen industry, complete with working waterwheel. You could finish by dropping into The Fresh Standard micro-brewery for a local beer or wine from Woodchester Valley Vineyard’s Cellar Door Shop, both accessible from the cycle track.

What’s your favourite thing to do for free in the Cotswolds?

We have a lot of circular walks, which are fantastic for dogs (and people!). One of my favourites is from Nailsworth, through Box Woods and up onto Minchinhampton Common. Stop off at the Old Lodge for lunch and a drink, before coming back down Watledge Hill. Our visitor information centre is based in Nailsworth Library (GL6 0DU), with a range of maps and plenty of local intelligence about places to see, events, and so on.

What do you think most surprises visitors about the Cotswolds?

There’s often a chocolate box-view of the Cotswolds, but Nailsworth is a good example of a bustling entrepreneurial town. Hidden behind the supermarket are a number of very high-tech companies. For example, along the A46 is Renishaw, a FTSE 250 world-leader. I love the heritage industry buildings we have, with their rusted corrugated roofs: they have a different kind of beauty. 
We’re also rich in creativity. My own top spot for painting is from Toots Barrow on Selsley Common: the view is fabulous.

You can see Richard’s art at richarderskineart.com
Richard’s new book Trusted Knowledge in a digital and fragmented world of work is available via essaysconcerning.com