Protecting our ancient water sources
Clean drinking water is one of the most vital substances for survival.
Our not so distant ancestors knew where to find water at source and would transport only small amounts in naturally made containers such as hide and horn!
Our tap water and environments are now full of 'forever chemicals' (flurocarbons/ Teflon/ PFAS's)
that are known to be very carcinogenic
and to never break down read a guardian article here
Bottled water bought from shops also has its issues:
often been transported vast distances,
then sat around in its plastic container in warehouses and shops
for many months before consumption.
We believe:
Ancient springs and wells are an abundant and vital resource which should be cared for as our ancestors did.
We aim to restore and test as many springs and wells around the Forest of Dean, and map out clean sources of safe drinking water for all to use freely.
1. St Anthonys Well, Mitcheldean 51.83943, -2.48002
Probably the largest and most picturesque holy well in the area. Famed for curing skin disorders. One old myth suggests if you visit nine times in May, at sunrise, the power of the well is at its most potent.
A beautiful site with a plunge pool of 1.5 m deep. Recently cleaned and repaired by SAWFOD in 2022. The square basin of stone immediately adjoining the head of the spring was made at the commencement of this century for the 'convenience of bathers’.
Grade II listed.
2. Borden Well, mitcheldean 51.840180, -2.473103 Originally called the board and well, Borden Well's
Waters issue from an old iron pipe, which is now encased in stone. Recently lovingly restored, with access improved by Cllr Andrew Gardiner and grandson Cllr Thom Forester, using the same blue pennant Forest stone as believed to be at the bottom of St Anthony's well. Probably one of the most used springs in the FOD.
3. Soudley Well, soudley, 51.795072, -2.50466
A nice little spring, which has stone and concrete built around it. The water quality appears very clean.
4. Unknown name, soudley, 51.789895, -2.488679
By the side of the road. Recently a local has lovingly built a stone around it. The road here can be dangerous.
5. Caudle Well, Ruardean, 51.8546, -2.55476
This spring provided a public water supply until the 20th century. In 1779 the parish provided stone water troughs at Caudle Well.
Caudle is a well-presented collection point and was once, like many, cemented over and the locals freed it overnight.
6. Stay and Drink Well, steam mills, 51.837256, -2.537067
Very dangerous road to stop on. Quite stagnant now but has a large wall and concrete around it.
7. Newland Lane spring, Newland, 51.787078, -2.631828
Below Whitecliff quarry, just off the road. Unfortunately, it has been damaged and doesn't flow all year round. Quality is unknown.
7. Brindsey's Well, Staunton, 51.80843, -2.65674
A 16th-century well. A new well-house was constructed in the 2000s. The well is maintained by the Parish Council.
There are other wells in this area, including St John The Baptists Well, a 14th-century spring. The source itself is a small hollow in the woods.
9. Clearwell well, Clearwell, 51.76983, -2.62293
This well is known locally as a holy well, but there doesn't seem to be any recorded history. A stream runs from it. More recently, the water quality has become suspect, apparently after the quarrying around the village The stone and brick well house has two plaques, which read as follows:
'Clearwell Well. This well was renovated by Newland Parish Council in 2005'
'He sendeth the springs
into the valley which runs
among the hills’
10. St Bride's Well, St Briavels, 51.73765, -2.64218
An ancient well, with a circular water-filled basin. The water runs clear, but the structure itself is in need of repair.
The name may suggest a dedication to St Brigid, the Irish saint. It is possible to represent a more pagan dedication, Bride being the female goddess of the Celtic Brigantes.
