New Active Travel maps available for locations across the Forest of Dean
Forest of Dean District Council has provided Active Travel Grant funding to Canopy Creative Network to produce new illustrated maps displaying accessible active travel routes at Soudley Ponds, Linear Park in Cinderford and Cyril Hart Arboretum at Speech House.
Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Cllr Chris McFarling said:
“The new maps produced by Canopy Creative are beautifully illustrated and do a fantastic job of displaying just some of the incredible wildlife that can be found on short walks in the Forest of Dean.
“The new maps highlight routes that are accessible to all, helping to promote access to the outdoors, improving people’s sense of wellbeing and better health. Learning about the beautiful natural surroundings we have here in the Dean to enjoy is a welcome activity for those of all ages.
“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.”
The digital and hard copy maps produced by Canopy Creative Network display shorter, accessible routes within well-established walking areas. The aim of the maps is to promote such routes to those who may normally find active travel challenging, helping residents of all ages and abilities explore their local area and learn more about the environment and wildlife in the Forest of Dean.
Illustrations for the maps were provided by local artist Becky Embling and provide information on the route distance, parking availability, things to look out for, as well as key points around the location itself and accessibility for wheelchair users. Due to their success Canopy will be producing more maps next year.
Canopy is a volunteer run, not-for-profit event organiser, bringing together creatives in the Forest of Dean with festivals, artist talks and creative walks to enhance community connection and wellbeing through creativity.
Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Jackie Fraser added:
“The new maps are beautiful to look at and feature carefully designed routes aimed at those who may find walking challenging.
“Taking a walk around Linear Park, we got to use the map and see for ourselves just how useful it is at highlighting the shorter, accessible route that’s available.”
To find out more about Canopy Creative Network, their future activities and events, and to download PDF versions of the new maps, please click here: https://canopynetwork.co.uk/creative-walks/maps/
Hard copies of the maps can also be found in GP Practices, Community Centre’s and well-known shops, cafes and establishments across the Forest of Dean. A full list of these locations can be found on the Canopy website.
The Active Travel Grants form part of the Council’s wider commitment to active travel in the Forest of Dean and there is currently an ongoing consultation to gather the thoughts of residents on active travel.
Views gathered during the consultation will be instrumental in helping the Council work with other partner organisations to design and develop a high-quality Active Travel Network that will lead to safer streets, cleaner air, and healthier communities across the Forest of Dean.
The active travel consultation is open until 20 June 2025. Further information can be found at the following link:
For further information on active travel please visit:
Contact Information
Forest of Dean Communications Team
Notes to editors
Canopy Creative Network were provided with funding from the Active Travel Grant funded by the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund and Arts Council England to produce, print and distribute the new maps for Linear Park in Cinderford, Soudley Ponds and Cyril Hart Arboretum at Speech House.
Further information on grant funding, including Active Travel Grants can be found here: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/business-support-and-advice/finance-and-funding/
The Rural England Prosperity Fund prospectus provides guidance for eligible local authorities to develop proposals for capital projects. Projects will support small businesses and community infrastructure in rural areas.
The fund provides rural top-up funding to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) in England. Further information available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
Pictured are Rob Olins from Canopy Creative Network, Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Jackie Fraser, and Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Cllr Chris McFarling.