Forge Dam restoration project finally back underway, says group chair

By Sam Ward
Published 19th May 2021, 06:00 BST
Updated 23rd May 2021, 21:05 BST
Volunteers restart work at Forge Dam after lockdown. Pictured is John Gittins. Picture: Chris EtchellsVolunteers restart work at Forge Dam after lockdown. Pictured is John Gittins. Picture: Chris Etchells
Volunteers restart work at Forge Dam after lockdown. Pictured is John Gittins. Picture: Chris Etchells
“It is wonderful,” says Friends of Porter Valley chair after volunteers finally got back together to continue renovation works at Forge Dam following pandemic.

The Friends of the Porter Valley have raised over £25 0,000 in recent years for improvements to Forge Dam – but had to put the work on hold during lockdown.

Despite efforts of individuals, who still attended the valley with their own equipment, now they are back in full flow, working on stone wall repairs, clearing drains and debris on the paths, and trying to identify the original trees planted 70 years ago as an arboretum to form Festival Woodland.

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Friends of Porter Valley chair Ann Le Sage said: “We are busy planning to revive all our normal activities: walks, talks and more freedom to do conservation work. Shepherd Wheel will be reopening in June, but we are still in final planning stages.

Lyndon Porter and John Adler get to work at Forge Dam. Picture: Chris EtchellsLyndon Porter and John Adler get to work at Forge Dam. Picture: Chris Etchells