New visualisations of proposed works at Cannop Ponds in the Forest of Dean have been released this August 2026, with the public being asked to have their say.
Bringing benefits for both people and wildlife, Forestry England (FE) is putting the finishing touches on its proposals for the much-loved nature spot, which has been enjoyed by locals and visitors of all ages for generations, for everything from fishing and birdwatching, to walking and picnics.
Under the plans, Lower Cannop will continue to be a large area of open water, with its dam strengthened and the spillway being replaced with a completely new structure. While a more natural approach will be taken at Upper Cannop, which will be improved to become 'a haven' for wildlife.
The public are invited to view the plans in detail at engagement events at Speech House Hotel on Thursday 24 and Wednesday 30 September 2026, feedback from which will inform FE's final plans, before a planning application is submitted next year.
Josh Howe, director of engineering at FE, said: 'We know these ponds hold a special place in the hearts of many local people and visitors, so it’s important that everyone has the chance to have their say.
'The feedback we receive from these events will help us refine the final details of our scheme to make sure we create the best possible future for Cannop Ponds – one that protects what makes the site special while making it safer and more resilient for generations to come.'
FE announced works were required at the ponds back in 2022, with inspections revealing its dams would not withstand a 150-year flooding event, the likelihood of which is increasing year-on-year due to climate change.
Selected from four options, informed by expert advice along with public feedback, the chosen plans represent a way to provide benefits for all sides of the debate over the ponds' future – with a community-led campaign in favour of seeing them retained in their current state for people and nature, while others wanted to see the valley re-wilded in some form to attract more native species.
David Fish, manager of the Cannop Ponds project, said of its progress to date: 'It’s been a longer journey than we had anticipated, but our priority with this project has been quality over speed. We’ve taken the time to get the proposed scheme right – balancing safety, sustainability, and public feedback – to deliver a solution that protects and enhances this special place'.
Booking is required to attend next month's public consultation events, with free tickets available on Forestry England's website. A virtual event space will also be available online from Thursday 24 September until Thursday 22 October 2026, for those unable to attend in person.
