Woorgreens Lake and Marsh

Woorgreens Lake and Marsh is a nature reserve in the Forest of Dean with a central lake ringed by oak, alder, larch, and Corsican pine plantations. The site covers about 42 hectares and provides varied habitats for wildlife and vegetation.

The site was created from reclaimed open-cast mining land and transformed into a nature reserve starting in 1981. Management by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust began in 1984 to restore the landscape into functioning wetland habitat.

The reserve functions as an educational site where visitors observe conservation practices and learn about ecosystem restoration in former industrial areas.

Visitors enter through the Speech House Woodlands car park and can explore the paths throughout the year. The best viewing season is from March through October when wildlife activity peaks.

A sluice gate connects the water system to nearby Foxes Bridge Bog, creating an interconnected network of wetlands. This linked system supports seventeen different dragonfly species found nowhere else nearby.

Inception: 1984

GPS coordinates: 51.81220,-2.53738

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:12