The future of Cannop Ponds reservoirs in the Forest of Dean has become a point of contention as Forestry England criticises abusive and inflammatory language circulating online. The agency is consulting on its proposals for the historic reservoirs near Lydney, which date back to the 1820s and are formed by dams across Cannop Brook. Both reservoirs have required ongoing repairs to address leaks and prevent structural failure, a legal obligation that Forestry England must meet to ensure public safety.
The current plan involves reinforcing the dam at Lower Cannop while transforming Upper Cannop into a wildlife haven with enhanced visitor amenities, such as a picnic terrace and a viewing platform. Some local campaigners have expressed concerns that the proposals could turn the area into a tourist hotspot, diminishing the natural qualities valued by the community.
To discuss the plans, Forestry England organised several public events during September, but on 30 September, two sessions scheduled for the evening were cancelled with just hours to spare. The decision followed intelligence about a planned protest at the venue, the Speech House Hotel, and reports of hostile social media commentary.
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In a midday statement on Facebook, Forestry England explained the cancellations: “While we support peaceful protest and free speech, our priority must be the safety and wellbeing of event attendees, hotel guests, contractors, and staff. Considering the risk assessment, it was deemed inappropriate to proceed with the sessions as planned.”
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to community engagement and providing opportunities for public input. To maintain accessibility, Forestry England has launched a virtual platform available from 2 October to 2 November, where individuals can review the consultation materials and submit feedback electronically. The online resource presents the same information initially scheduled for the in-person sessions, ensuring that those unable to attend can participate fully in the consultation process.