The Creative Canopy Network has produced three new maps specially designed to make getting out into nature more accessible, enjoyable and inspiring for everyone.
Each mapped route is intentionally short (around 1 mile), focusing on the journey rather than the destination. The walks encourage wellbeing, creative thinking and a deeper connection with the environment through engaging points of reference along the way. By making nature more inviting and interactive, Canopy hopes to inspire more people to step outside and experience the benefits of nature easily and safely.
Linear Park
Linear Park is a wildlife conservation area with ponds, woodland, scrubland and reedbed. It follows part of an old railway line, starting at the old Ruspidge Halt railway station which is now the car park and borders the town of Cinderford to the east.
This is a short, flat wheelchair accessible route of less than a mile which takes in a small part of a much longer walk around Linear Park. A new path surface has recently been laid (January 2025).
Cyril Hart Arboretum
The Cyril Hart Arboretum is home to over 200 tree species, some dating back to the early 1900s. The collection has been added to over the years and now contains species found around the world.
This is a short, flat route of less than a mile which takes in half of the arboretum.
Lower Soudley Pond
Soudley Ponds is a series of man-made ponds running along a secluded valley. It is a haven for wildlife and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The wetland habitat is home to lots of different plants, birds and insects.
This is a short, relatively flat route of 1 mile which takes in the lower of Soudley Ponds.
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. You can find out more about them on their website here.