Plan your visit
Getting here
51.79890, -2.49173
Best for
5 activitiesWildlife
Strong match
Ancient woodland
Dog walks
Good match
Dogs allowed with public access
Waterside walks
Good match
Reservoir — waterside public access; parking
Heritage
Good match
Ancient woodland — historic landscape
Picnic day out
Moderate match
Reservoir — waterside day out
Trails nearby
Within roughly 5 km🚶Walking
v3 signed routes nearby
Signed route nearby
Walking
Salmon WayWalking route▾
Severn Way (3) Worcester to BristolWalking route153 km▾
Forest of Dean Sculpture TrailWalking route▾
🚴Cycling
v14 signed routes nearby
Signed route nearby
Cycling
Mallards Pike LinkCycling route▾
National Cycle Network Route 42Cycling route▾
Family cycle route (easy)Cycling route▾
Lydbrook LinkCycling route▾
Hicksters Way LoopCycling route▾
Shorter alternative return route to Cannop Cycle Centre or Beechenhurst than following the Family Cycle Trail
Coleford, Milkwall & Parkend railway path FOD06Cycling route▾
About this reservoir
Soudley Ponds 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
15 photos from nearby open sources
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Photos
15 photos from nearby open sources
Photos
Visiting this spring
Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now
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Visiting this spring
Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now
- 🌸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
🌱 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
Facilities
Parking
1 nearby · Free · 338m
Good to know
- £Free to visit — no entry charge
- 🐕Dogs welcome
- 🌿Ancient woodland — rare wildlife habitat
Weather for this location
Next 14 daysLoading local forecast…
Nearby places
Useful places within 5 km