Ancient woods | Forest of Dean

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The ancient Forest of Dean is one of the few remaining Royal forests in England.

It was created by the Normans as a hunting forest to provide food for the king's winter court at Gloucester.

Return to ancient woods

Ancient woodlands are great places to watch wildlife especially birds and mammals such as deer and wild boar.

Get out and about in spring woodlands for birds of prey, badger watching and wild walks.


Forest of Dean - Visitor Guide
Address:	Forest of Dean and Symonds Yat, near Coleford, Wye Valley, Gloucestershire.
Postcode	GL14 2
Telephone:	Tourism info centre - 01594 812388
Fax:	Tourism fax - 01452 812330
e-mail	tourism@fdean.gov.uk
Location map:	Multi map of Forest of Dean
Ordnance Survey:	Grid reference SO630109
Key attractions:	If you want to see some of the shyer wildlife, keep your dog on a lead because they do like to chase other animals.
Essential kit:	Camouflage clothing for nature watching. Walking shoes. Binoculars for woodland birds.
Nature watching:	Bird watching - RSPB telescopes at Symonds Yat for Peregrine Falcons. Mammals - Deer, Wild Boar, Badgers. Wildflowers - spring Bluebells and Wild Garlic. The forest is managed by the Forestry Commission.
Access:	Online access guide available
Getting there:	Car - the Forest of Dean is located in west Gloucestershire, close to the border with Wales and is within easy driving distance of the M4 (M48), M5 and M50 motorways. Rail - the Forest of Dean is served by Lydney, Chepstow and Gloucester railway stations. Bus - contact Coleford Tourist Information Centre on 01594 812388 or call Traveline on 0870 608 2 608. Parking - fee at some Forestry Commission sites including Symonds Yat Rock, Beechenhurst and Mallards Pike.
Opening times:	Year round.

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