About the Forest of Dean

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Wye Valley

The Royal Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire covers 27,000 acres of ancient woodland between the River Wye and River Severn, was designated a National Forest Park in 1938 and has an extensive network of footpaths set within spectacular scenery.

It is made up of four very different areas: the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; the Vale of Leadon, featuring farmland and vineyards; the Severn Vale, through which the longest river in the Country flows and famous for it's tidal bore; the ancient Royal Forest, a centre for the area's heritage and history.

The Forest changes dramatically with the seasons, bringing to life an old Forest saying "Blessed is the eye that rests between the Severn and the Wye". Spring brings wonderful displays of daffodils and bluebells and is a marvellous time to visit. Summertime is very tranquil in the cool shade of the forest and sightings of the Peregrine Falcons are frequent. Autumn is a spectacular time to visit the Forest with it's 200 varieties of trees including oaks, beeches, larches and maples turning into a bright flame of coloured leaves. During the wintertime, the Forest has a light and welcoming feel after shedding it's leaves and gives new perspective to viewpoints.

The Wye Valley lies between the border of England and Wales and was once a fiercely fought over land, the many castles in the area being a testament to these times.  Many of the villages and towns have significant fortified remains. The River Wye is one of the cleanest and most beautiful in Great Britain and threads its way through some of the most attractive and rich blocks of ancient woodland which have been managed by traditional coppicing methods and an original mix of trees has been retained.