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Welcome to the official handbook for
the Forest of Dean. We have published it to bring
together useful information about our district, for both visitors
and residents. Publication of  this
guide has been financed by the sale of advertising and we hope that
you will support the local businesses and organisations who have
made this possible.
The Forest of Dean is sometimes known as the eye or eyot between
the Severn and the Wye. An eye is an ancient term for an island
and whilst not technically an island, the Forest of Dean is a highly
individual area with its own traditions and customs. The current
boundaries of the district stretch from the Severn Bridge at Beachley
to the foothills of the Malverns. It comprises four very different,
but equally beautiful, landscape areas - the Wye Valley, the Vale
of Leadon, the Severn Vale, and the ancient Royal Forest itself.
The area was originally governed from St Briavels castle, and eligibility
for many of the traditions and rights such as freemining are based
on birth within the ancient hundred of St Briavels. The woodlands
were controlled by the monarch’s Verderers, judicial officers
appointed to deal with such offences as the taking of venison, illegal
cutting or felling of trees, and the encroachment of enclosures
or buildings. Her Majesty’s Verderers still hold court, at
least every quarter, at the Speech House.
The Forest of Dean district is home to around 83,000 people, many
who live in the four market towns of Cinderford, Coleford, Lydney
and Newent. Manufacturing provides a large number of jobs in the
area, as do tourism and other related services. Many  residents
commute to Gloucester, Cheltenham and other nearby centres, whilst
the good transport and road links mean easy access to major cities,
such as Birmingham, Cardiff and Bristol. The District Council has
a successful regeneration policy which encourages inward investment,
and supports and promotes the growth of local businesses.
The Forest of Dean offers a vibrant community, set in beautiful
landscape, with thriving businesses and excellent tourist facilities.
It is truly a place to enjoy - a great place to live, work and stay.Photography
courtesy of The Forester newspaper, Go Ape! High Wire Adventure,
Mary Rose Young,
Dean Forest Railway, Joanna Ward Photography and the International
Centre for Birds of Prey.
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