Like all other stakeholders, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust is currently waiting for further information to be made available by Forestry England (FE), regarding both the public consultation process and ecological survey work. Until this information is available, we are unable to provide an informed response or comment on the advantages or disadvantages of any of the four suggestions put forward by FE for the future of the ponds.
It is important to take into account the perspectives of local people who have great emotional attachments to Cannop Ponds, however GWT’s position will ultimately be based on what provides the best outcome for wildlife. Once all the relevant consultation and survey work has been carried out by FE, we will be able to formulate a well-informed position and will share this position publicly as soon as we are able to.
Finally, it is important for us to communicate that GWT do not have a role in this decision-making process. We work with FE on a number of important projects in the Forest of Dean, but have no involvement in the management of Cannop Ponds.