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Whether you want to go on a two-day hike, throw yourself into some high-energy activities or just take a leisurely bike ride to a viewing hotspot, the Forest of Dean accommodates all.
With so much selection, you won't know where to start. So here are some of our top tips to keep everyone entertained on your visit to the Forest...
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Whether you're a first time visitor, or returning to rediscover its charms, you'll find the best in hospitality, along with spectacular scenery, a wealth of wildlife and a fascinating heritage.
However if you only have a day, you'll just scratch the surface of what this wonderful place has to offer. So why not stay a bit longer and discover more of the Forest's charms, it won't take long before you fall under its spell.
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Said to have inspired the likes of J.R.R.Tolkien, J.K.Rowling and Dennis Potter, "Gloucestershire's greatest natural wonder", the Forest of Dean, is best explored by following The Royal Forest Route, which takes visitors on a 20-mile tour of the spectacular broad-leaf forest.
Springtime is one of the best times of the year to follow this route, when many areas, such as the Soudley Valley are filled with the most spectacular bluebells.
Wild Boar
Information on Wild Boar in the Forest of Dean from the Forestry Commission:
Wild boar are normally secretive, and largely nocturnal if they are not interfered with and are unlikely to attack people. There have, however, been some problems with boar in the Forest of Dean with damage or injury to people, pets and property.
What should I do to avoid problems with wild boar?
Do not feed the boar - feeding encourages them into closer contact with humans where the scope for less desirable activity increases
Do not leave food around, including rubbish and bird/pet food
Put out bin bags on day of collection - boar are omnivores and scavenge freely
Ensure your fences are secure - stock proof fences can be very effective at keeping boar out - gardens can be wrecked very quickly by a small number of boar
Keep your dog under close control - a number of dogs have been seriously injured by the boar and it is best to avoid the interaction if at all possible, this will also help reduce disturbance to other wildlife too.
Do not walk through dense undergrowth where wild boar may be encountered at close quarters, such areas are favoured as breeding and resting sites. Boar have a long breeding season but most litters are born in the spring (Feb to May) when there may be potentially dangerous defensive sows with young piglets
Drive at a reasonable speed in the Forest at night -boar can cause great damage to vehicles if hit, this is also true of other animals such as deer and sheep.
What should I do if I encounter a wild boar?
If you encounter wild boar whilst out in the countryside:
Do not approach them - if possible leave the area by the same route you approached by, or make a detour giving the animals a wide berth.
If you have a dog off its lead, call the dog to heel and put the lead on it immediately
If your dog chases a boar, stay at a safe distance and continue to call the dog back - do not approach the boar or interfere
The above information has been provided by the Forestry Commission
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