The Rock B&B
Hillersland in the Forest of Dean
near Symonds Yat,
Coleford, Gloucestershire
GL16 7NY United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0)1594 837893
The Rock B&B - Guest Accommodation - Coleford in the Forest of Dean nr Symonds Yat Rock, Ross on Wye and Monmouth
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, UK
Today the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire is the UK's largest Oak forest, a magical place of natural beauty and peace and developing as a centre for out door activity such as walking, canoeing, climbing and cycling.
The Royal Forest of Dean covers 27000 acres and is one of Englands few remaining ancient forests. It is not that well Known and many people still ask "Where is the forest of Dean" it is considered by many in England to be in Wales and those in Wales to be in England. The forest actually lies between the Wye Valley and River Severn in gloucestershire, on the Herefordshire and gloucestershire Border.
While now a haven for wildlife in the recent past the forest was a key to the industrial revolution. The Forest of Dean along with the Lower Wye valley was valued for its resources of iron, stone, coal and timber.
Further back in time the forest was a royal hunting forest. Today the former industrial sites of the forest have become beauty spots making the forest a great place to visit
The Wysis Way footpath just 30 paces from the Rock
First National Forest Park
The Forest of Dean was designated as the first National Forest Park in 1938 due to its potential for out door leisure. There are boundry markers identfying this "statuatory Forest boundary". The forest of Dean Area is actually made up of Several woods the one opposite the Rock is Mailshott Woods. This wood continues from just opposite the Rock B&b down the sides of the Wye Valley. The Limestone Cliffs down the side of the valley are part of a Site of Special Scientific interest.
Currently you can wander freely with a right to roam and we have several walks in and around the Woods and the Wye valley we can loan you.
This is one of the woods the Government were cosidering selling off to private owners. It was feared that the right to roam would be removed and only statuatory rights of way be maintained. Many forest families go back many generations passing the same family home on form one generation to the next and they especailly feel a responsibility to look after the forest and use the forest for fire wood berries in the winter etc. There was a huge surge of emotion when the plan to sell was tabled, But the "Hands off our forest campaign" organised by local people managed to get a reprive although many local people are still concerned and what may happen next!
Links to Places to Visit in the Forest Of dean
Ship Badgers
These are not black and white fury marine animals. This is the term for local residents who have the right to graze sheep in the forest. In the central forest you can see sheep wandering around the shops, bus stops etc. It is the only place I believe in the country where learner drivers are taught to deal with sheep on the sides of roads!
Napolionic Oaks
The 700 hectacre Canop Valley Nature Reserve comprising Cannop Ponds, Russell Inclosure and Nags Head nature reserve is famous for its broad leaf woodlands which make up the larger part of the reserve. The Oak trees are a result of Nelson ordering the replanting of trees taken for ship building during the napolionic wars. These trees are known as Napolionic oaks
Tip Car parking at Cannop ponds is Free and the start of sever al trails to explore the woods
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