New maps displaying accessible travel routes in the Forest of Dean have been created, to encourage people of all ages and abilities to explore their local area.
Produced by Canopy Creative Network with funding from Forest of Dean District Council's Active Travel Grant, the maps are intended to help those who may normally find active travel challenging to learn more about the environment and wildlife in the Gloucestershire district.
The digital and hard copy maps depict shorter, accessible routes within well-established walking areas – including Soudley Ponds, Linear Park in Cinderford and Cyril Hart Arboretum at The Speech House near Coleford.
The illustrations for the maps were created by local artist Becky Embling; and provide details such as the route distance, parking availability, things to look out for and key points around the location itself, as well as points of accessibility for wheelchair users.
Councillor Chris McFarling, cabinet member for climate emergency, said: 'Active travel promotes walking, cycling and wheeling in the Forest of Dean.
'We believe that active travel should be accessible and inclusive for all and these new maps and the improvements to routes at Cyril Hart Arboretum, Linear Park and Soudley Ponds will be of huge benefit with this.'
Canopy Creative Network is a not-for-profit event organiser, run by volunteers, on a mission to bring together creatives in the Forest of Dean with festivals, artist talks and walks to 'enhance community connection and wellbeing through creativity.'
Hard copies of the maps can be found at GP practices, community centres, shops and cafes across the Forest of Dean, with a full list of the locations found on the Canopy Creative Network website, alongside PDF versions available to download.
