Did you know...

> The Forest of Dean was the country's first National Forest Park in 1038 and is one of England's surviving ancient woodlands, covering 27,000 acres. It boasts the largest population of oak trees in the UK.

> The Forest of Dean in the USA is also the site of an iron mine, but it is not possible to visit as it is in the grounds of the West Point Military Academy in Orange County.

> Tutshill, in the parish of Tidenham, Forest of Dean, was home to J.K. Rowling during her early childhood, inspiring the Harry Potter series.

> Freeminers are men born in the hundred of St Briavels (an area with similar boundaries to the Forest of Dean), aged over 21, who have worked a year and a day in a mine. These men enjoy ancient rights to mine in the Forest, conferred on them by Edward I. Their rights still exist and are regulated by a Crown official called the Deputy Gaveller.

> In the 1800s in Coleford, Robert Mushet invented the process of making steel and developed the first self-hardening tool steel.

> The Speech House, between Coleford and Cinderford, was originally built in 1682 to host the Court of Mine Law and "Court of the Speech".

> The Forest of Dean has been used as film location for many famous film and TV productions, including the BBC's 'Merlin' and 'Autumnwatch', the ITV's series, 'Wild Britain' and the latest Harry Potter film, 'The Deathly Hallows'.

> Westbury Court Garden has the only formal Dutch water garden in the UK.

> The Severn Estuary has the second highest tidal range in the world, giving rise to the famous Severn Bore tidal wave that occurs around the Spring and Autumn equinox. River surfers flock from all over to ride the famous wave which can best viewed from Minsterworth.

 > Forest of Dean red ochre is believed to be the famous "Terra Rossa d'Inghilterra" - "English Red Earth" - prized by Italian Renaissance painters, and is still produced at Clearwell Caves.

> The famous Sculpture Trail is the largest in the South West and won best walk in Country Walking magazine. It was also awarded the Number 1 place in The Independent's Top 50 Autumn Breaks in the UK, 2004.

> The Roman Camp and Temple at Lydney Park Gardens is one of the most important Roman archaeological sites in Britain.

> Ancient commoners rights enable sheep to roam freely in the Forest. The people who look after them are called ‘badgers'.

> The Forest of Dean was reserved for Royal hunting before 1066 and remains one of the largest Crown forests in England.

> In medieval times, wild boar roamed the Forest and now, after a long absence, they are back. They live in family groups known as 'sounders' and have recently featured on the 2010 TV Series, 'Wild Britain' with Ray Mears.

> The linear stretch of open oak woodland in the centre of the Forest of Dean is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its uncommon lichens and mosses that grow on the ancient trees.

> If you head to Symonds Yat Rock you may be able to spot the infamous Peregrine falcons. These birds are the fastest animal alive, diving at speeds up to 200mph. They have nested on the Coldwell Rocks at Symonds Yat since 1982.

> The bee shelter at Hartpury is the largest and most ornate of the 103 shelters known to survive in the UK. 

> Perry, a traditional fermented drink made from pears, has been produced for centuries in this area. There are over 100 varieties of local perry pear which are known by over 200 names such as ‘Hartpury Green', ‘Blakeney Red' and ‘Staunton Squash'

> The best known local plum, the Blaisdon Red, was found in Captain Scott's rations in the Antartic.

> The Forest of Dean is the prime producer of wild venison, distributed throughout the country.

> Wine from Three Choirs Vineyard in Newent is exported to France, Germany, Sweden and Hong Kong and has been enjoyed by first class BA passengers plus travellers on the Euro Shuttle.

> Mallards Pike was voted the best place to picnic in the South West region in the Warburtons Picnic Awards 2010.