CAMPAIGNERS fighting to retain Cannop Ponds are taking the decision to end Yorkley Angling Club’s lease as “evidence” that a decision has already.

Forestry England says no decision has yet been taken and is unlikely before Christmas.

There was an angry reaction to the announcement that the club’s lease will ended on December 31 after 62 years.

It comes as the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust said it would support an option to “re-naturalise” the Cannop Valley,which would mean removing the ponds.

In a letter to club trustee Terry McKenzie, Forestry England say that whichever option is adopted, the ponds will have to drained either partially or in full.

The letter states: “As you are aware, significant engineering works are required to be carried out on the Lower Cannop Reservoir Dam in the next year.

“We anticipate that similar significant works will also be required to be undertaken to the Upper Cannop Reservoir Dam at the same time.

“...Whichever option is undertaken, the reservoirs will almost certainly need to be drained either in part or in full to allow the works to proceed.

“At this time it is not possible to predict what engineering scheme will be implemented and thus it is not possible to determine what height the ponds will be refilled to, or indeed whether there will be any fishable water in the future.

“I am therefore writing to advise that the lease of rights to Yorkley and District Angling Club which expires at the end of this year, December 31, 2022, will not be renewed.”

A spokesman for the angling club said: “A spokesman said: “Following Forestry England’s announcement on July 7 2022 of their plans for Cannop Ponds, Yorkley and District Angling Club have believed that the decision to remove the ponds had already been made by Forestry England.

‘‘The fact that Cannop Upper Pond was registered as a reservoir on March 8 2022 which allows Forestry England as owner to remove both ponds under the Reservoirs Act, together with the notice dated August 18 2022 of termination of the club’s lease, which will end on December 31 2022 after 64 years, alongside Forestry England’s refusal to consider the repair option all points to one conclusion: that Forestry England will be removing the ponds.

“That is unless the public help stop them.”

Meanwhile, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT) has issued a statement about Cannop following inquiries from some of its members.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “GWT understands that Forestry England is investigating options to improve the future resilience and safety of Cannop Ponds.

“One option being considered is to re-naturalise the area, which GWT would support due to the potential to enhance biodiversity and provide nature-based solutions. 

“Answers to frequently asked questions will be provided on the Forestry England website in the near future.

“Until further information about the proposals is available the Trust does not intend to comment further.”

The trust also confirmed that it is being consulted with as a key stakeholder, but that Forestry England is leading on the proposals “entirely”.

Supporters of the campaign to repair the dams expressed their disappointment in the trust’s response on social media.

Some said they would be cancelling their membership with GWT due to its stance on the issue.

Campaigner Shaun Bick posted: “An organisation who state the importance of looking after our wildlife are prepared to jeopardise the lives of the animals that are already residing there. Shame on you!”

When Forestry England’s top official in the Forest, deputy surveyor Kevin Stannard, met protesters last week when he said a decision has not been made because important information about the dams had not yet been received.

He said a decision is unlikely before Christmas.

Campaigners have set up a Save Cannop Ponds petition on the Change.org website.

Information about the need for works at Cannop is available at https://www.forestryengland.uk/article/the-future-cannop-ponds