Getting here
51.81084, -2.55436
Best for
7 activitiesWildlife
Free75%Ancient woodland
Dog walks
Free72%Dogs allowed with public access
Waterside walks
Varies68%Reservoir — waterside public access
Heritage
Free68%Ancient woodland — historic landscape
Hiking
Free58%Named hiking route nearby: Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
Cycling
Varies58%Named cycling route nearby: Hicksters Way Loop
Trails nearby
Within roughly 5 kmWalking
13
3 named nearby · 10 public paths
Cycling
17
17 named nearby
Mountain biking
19
19 named nearby
Named routes and paths nearby
About this reservoir
Speech House is a reservoir managed by Forestry England within their forest estate. As an ancient woodland, it has been continuously wooded since at least 1600 AD — a rare and irreplaceable habitat rich in biodiversity and historical character. Managed by Forestry England, the site is actively maintained for recreation and conservation.
Wildlife to spot
Photos
🌱 Visiting this spring
- 🌸Ancient woodlands are famous for bluebell carpets in April and May — one of Britain's most spectacular wildflower displays
- 🐦Prime nesting season — listen for woodpecker drumming, warbler song and the first cuckoos from April
- 🦌Roe deer are active before the leaf canopy closes in — dawn and dusk are best
Good to know
- £Free to visit — no entry charge
- 🐕Dogs welcome
- 🌿Ancient woodland — rare wildlife habitat
Weather for this location
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Nearby places
Useful places within 5 km