Forest of Dean, Royal forest in Gloucestershire, England
Forest of Dean stretches across a wooded area between the River Wye and the River Severn, forming a triangular plateau in the western part of Gloucestershire. The terrain alternates between gentle hills, open meadows, and dense tree cover, crossed by footpaths, small settlements, and former mining sites.
The Romans already used this area for timber extraction and iron smelting, marking the start of a long industrial story. Coal mining developed in the medieval period and reached its peak in the 19th century before the last pit closed in 1965.
The local residents call themselves Foresters and use ancient rights to graze sheep in specific areas or extract minerals from the ground. These traditions remain visible today and shape the daily lives of many families who have been connected to the woodland for generations.
Many marked trails lead through the entire woodland and connect clearings, hills, and old industrial sites with one another. Coleford serves as a central starting point for visits and offers access to campsites, picnic areas, and orientation maps along the main routes.
Wild boars roam freely through the trees and undergrowth since the year 2000, after they were reintroduced here. Their presence noticeably changes the woodland scenery, as they dig up the ground and leave traces that recall the medieval landscape.
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