News

Members of the Tetbury Ladies Luncheon Club enjoyed a sumptuous lunch at the Calcot Manor, topped by a talk — “Down the Wye Without a Paddle” — delivered by a Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tour Guide.

The talk focuses on the development of British tourism in the 18th century, which started with River Wye tours, from Ross on Wye to Chepstow. The tours became very popular after the publication of the first printed tour book, “Observations on the River Wye, etc.” by the Reverend William Gilpin. Gilpin was an amateur artist who defined the “picturesque movement” with precision. He wrote extensively about Ross on the Wye, Wilton Castle, Ruardean Church, Lydbrook, Coldwell, New Weir (which we know as Symonds Yat),  Monmouth and Tintern. Some of his experiences and observations were considered eccentric then, as they are today.

However, even after dining on salmon en croute and creme brulee, the members were alert enough to enjoy the talk!

Forest of Dean residents have been impatiently waiting for the arrival of two beavers that were being reintroduced into the Forest of Dean.

Beavers have been extinct for centuries. They have been reintroduced so that their engineering skills would be put to good use to build dams to protect the village of Lydbrook from flooding. Beavers certainly rival the Brunels when it comes to engineering.

Secretary of State Michael Gove and local MP Mark Harper were present to greet the beavers who were herded into a gated enclosure around Greathough Brook. A beaver lodge had been built for the new arrivals.

There will be a walk around the enclosure during the Heritage Weekend on September 15 at 2pm. By then, the pair will probably have built their own, new lodge!

On a hot day in July, visitors from beautiful Devon enjoyed a coach tour to the equally beautiful Forest of Dean. The Blake’s driver Kelvin assured everyone that, with his experience driving through Dartmoor and Exmoor, he could manoeuver a six-wheeler coach through the windy, twisty roads in the Forest.

Most of the group had not visited the area before. They were impressed with the stunning views at Symonds Yat, and the facilities at Beechenhurst. The visit was capped with a tour to the heritage railway, Dean Forest Railway, that runs from Parkend to Lydney and offers an excellent shop, museum and cafe at Norchard.

There were comments about the friendly welcome that the visitors received in the Forest. Come back soon!!

Mid June: The Bluebells have gone until next Spring. The Ferns are growing higher and will soon envelope large areas in the woods and roadsides. Near New Fancy there are currently good displays of wild roses, especially on the viewpoint ifself.

In a nearby area flattened by high winds just a couple of years ago swathes of foxgloves add a splash of mauve to the predominant green of the vegetation – or as the Forest Verderers would call it the “Vert”.