This site was produced by: LOCAL AUTHORITY PUBLISHING
Publishers for local authorities throughout Great Britain. View more Official Guides at www.officialguides.co.uk

Welcome to the official handbook for the Forest of Dean. We have published it to bring together useful information about our district, both for visitors and for 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 about 80,000 people, many of whom live in the four market towns of Cinderford, Coleford, Lydney and Newent. Manufacturing provides a large number of jobs in the area, as does tourism and its related service industries. Many residents commute to Gloucester, Cheltenham and other nearby centres, whilst the excellent transport and road links mean easy access to major cities, such as Birmingham, Cardiff and Bristol. In addition, the district council has a successful regeneration policy which is encouraging 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 be proud of.