While willdife will continue to move along the whole canal, the project recognises that restoration in some sections of the canal will cause disruption to wildlife. From this has come new opportunities with the creation of new habitats to attract a wider and newer range of species to the canal corridor.

 

In early October 2023, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust began work on a netwok of scrapes, pools and ditches in fields beside the canal close to Fromebridge Mill. These will provide standing water and boggy conditions for a range of species such as waders and wildlfowl (particularly during the winter months). They should retain water longer than the the surrounding land in the drier months. Surrounding vegetation will grow but will be managed by grazing cattle.

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Between the towpath and this wetland area, there will be a line of ponds. These will be created in the first instance to allow the translocation of water voles from the canal. In time the voles will return to the canal. Meantime these more heavily vegetated ponds will provide for a range of animal species, particularly invertebrates such as dragonflies and damselflies.

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There are plans for a bird hide so that visitors and towpath users can view the wildlfife.

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Across the canal from this area, a tradtioinal orchard is being restored and nurtured and adjacent to this, GWT are seeking to improve a wildlflower grassland meadow.

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This page will keep you updated on the work and the wildlife.