A new wetland area, set to attract wildlife and boost tourism, is being developed as part of the Cotswold Canals Connected project. The Fromebridge Biodiversity Project will create a wetlands area and wildlife ponds between the Stroudwater Canal and River Frome south of Whitminster.

This will provide new feeding grounds for migratory birds and feature a bird hide with an accessible towpath, allowing everyone to get closer to nature and enjoy the tranquillity of the canal. A planning application has been submitted which extends the canal restoration west of the “Missing Mile”.

It 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. Volunteers from the Cotswold Canals Trust and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust will complete this project once planning approval has been granted.