Press Release
Canopy Creative Network has produced three new walking maps for the Forest of Dean, specially designed for those who find walking difficult and to make getting out into nature more accessible, enjoyable and inspiring for everyone. They will be officially launched on Sunday 16 March 2025 at an event in Soudley.
Canopy is an arts collaborative running festivals and events across the Forest of Dean. Over the last five years Canopy has developed a programme of creative walks in nature, taking small groups out into the Forest with an experienced artist guiding participants to try a range of creative activities along the way. Thanks to funding from Forest of Dean District Council they have now developed three new printed maps to complement these walks. The new beautifully illustrated maps feature three carefully designed routes aimed at those who may find walking challenging, offering a unique and creative approach to exploring the natural world.
The three new walking routes are at Linear Park, the Cyril Hart Arboretum and Lower Soudley Pond. Each route is intentionally short (around 1 mile), circular and easy to follow with benches marked on the maps and information provided on things to see including local flora and fauna to encourage spending time pausing and engaging with surroundings. 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. At Linear Park a brand new path surface has recently been laid (January 2025) making it wheelchair accessible and even easier for those who find walking difficult.
Rob Olins, Canopy Chair, says of the project: “Over the last few years Canopy has been proud to develop a programme of creative walks. As a result we knew there was a demand for routes suitable for people with mobility issues. We are delighted to be able to create these new maps to encourage more people to get out into nature. One of Canopy’s aims is to support local artists so we were pleased to hire a local illustrator to design the maps. Becky Embling has done a wonderful job in creating these beautiful designs. We hope these maps enable more people to be able to get out and enjoy the Forest of Dean feeling comfortable that they know what is ahead.”
On Sunday 16 March 2025 a launch event will be held at Soudley Village Hall to reveal the new maps and celebrate the project’s aims. In addition to large copies of the maps on display, the illustrator’s original sketches will be available to view as well as a history of the Canopy creative walk project.
A list of locations the maps will be available to collect from 16 March as well as digital downloads will be available at: https://canopynetwork.co.uk/maps/
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About Canopy Creative Network
Canopy Creative Network was formed in 2017 to bring artists, arts organisations and communities in the Forest of Dean together. They run festivals, walks, talks, workshops and a range of other events.
Canopy’s monthly creative walks are open to all and encourage participants to observe, listen, and respond to their surroundings in creative ways. Each walk is uniquely designed and led by an artist, offering participants opportunities to engage with their environment through photography, drawing, writing, or simply mindful observation.
PDFs of the A3 maps can be downloaded here
This project was made possible with funding from Forest of Dean District Council’s Active Travel Grant.
Canopy Creative Network 