Forest of Dean, Administrative district in western Gloucestershire, England.
The Forest of Dean is an administrative district in Gloucestershire featuring extensive woodlands, mixed landscapes, and several towns including Coleford, Cinderford, and Lydney. The district blends rural forest areas with urban centers, creating a varied terrain.
The region served as a royal hunting ground before becoming one of England's largest crown forests under royal protection. Over centuries, its timber resources were exploited, followed by mining and iron production that transformed the landscape.
Mining and ironworking shaped how people lived and worked for centuries in this region. The residents, known as Foresters, continue to carry this industrial heritage in their sense of community and local identity.
The area is accessible by car or public transport, with multiple towns and walking routes to explore throughout the district. Using Coleford as a reference point helps with orientation when planning visits to different parts.
Archaeological finds show that people mined coal here as far back as Roman times. This ancient mining tradition runs so deep that it fundamentally shaped both the landscape and the people who lived there.
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