Civic leaders came together to raise the profile of the Fromebridge Biodiversity Project.

The event saw the opening of the Dock Lock Pound.

The MP for Stroud, Dr Simon Opher, attended as well as the Leader of Stroud District Council, Catherine Braun, Mark Hurrell DL, High Sheriff of Gloucestershire. Cotswold Canals Connected Chief Engineer Rob Benson also joined the group.

Dock Lock is set to be restored and “stop planks” were lowered by the VIPs to signal the start of this, which will mean the lock can be drained and restoration work start.

This lock links the restored section of the canal from the Stonehouse direction with the “missing mile” project towards the A38 roundabout. Beyond the A38 roundabout is the Fromebridge Wetlands Project – part of this has already started and part needs planning consent.

Canal restoration will create new wetland and boost nature and tourism

A new wetland area is being created which will attract wildlife and boost tourism as part of the Cotswold Canals Connected project.

The Fromebridge Biodiversity Project of wetlands area and wildlife ponds between the Stroudwater Canal and River Frome south of Whitminster will provide new feeding grounds for migratory birds and will feature a bird hide with a multi-user accessible towpath so that everyone can get closer to nature.

A Planning Application has been submitted which extends the canal restoration to the west of the “Missing Mile” and includes the creation of two water vole ponds, a wetlands area, lowering of the River Frome floodbank in two locations, creation of two flood bunds, levelling of the canal towpath bank, construction of a multi-user canal towpath and an accessible bird hide.

This project will be completed by volunteers from the Cotswold Canals Trust and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust once planning approval has been granted.

This project is the largest biodiversity project being undertaken on the Cotswold Canals Connected Phase 1B project which is part-funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

Dependent on securing planning approval and raising the funds required, work on these projects is expected to start before the end of this year.

Stroud District Council Leader Catherine Braun said: “Stroud District Council is committed to restoration of the canal, promoting tourism and protecting and enhancing our environment, so we’re very excited to be part of this canal biodiversity project at Fromebridge”.”

The Cotswold Canals Connected project is creating the longest multi-user accessible path in the Stroud District, a total of 16km from Brimscombe Port to Saul Junction, with all towpaths constructed and maintained by volunteers.