An ecological forum is being established to provide recommendations and review restoration plans for the Montgomery Canal, according to a report by the Canal and River Trust in Wales and Powys County Council.

As part of the Montgomery Canal Restoration Project, nearly £14m in Levelling Up funding has been allotted to restore the Welsh section of the canal, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation.

The new ecological forum will promote long-term monitoring and sustainability in line with the project, while also aiding communication and progress between the two organisations.

The project is aimed at providing long-term economic and ecological wellbeing for the local communities.

Cllr David Selby, Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys said:

"The forum will act as a sounding board on scientific, ecological and technical issues relevant to the Montgomery Canal,"

"It will also help to develop and maintain links with the external research community and sector experts.

"The Montgomery Canal Restoration Project aims to provide long-term economic, cultural and wellbeing benefits for local communities, as part of our plans to make Powys a stronger, fairer and greener place to live, and we want that to come as a result of having a wildlife rich and well managed waterway."

Jason Leach, Head of External Programme Delivery at Glandwr Cymru said:

"We know that the Montgomery Canal is a place where wildlife thrives, and we want to make sure that it stays like this in the future.

"Doing nothing is not an option. Securing a sustainable future for the canal and its wildlife is our priority, and we are confident with our plans and this forum we will deliver the ambitions of the partnership."