PROFILE: The Enchanted forest... The Royal forest of Dean
Sandwiched between the River Wye and the River Severn the Forest of Dean is one of England's last remaining ancient forests making it a fantastic place to live.
With spectacular views of the Wye Valley and River Severn it is a breathtaking sight to behold.
The Forest occupies an area of 204 square miles in the western part of Gloucestershire.
The 20 million trees that cover the Forest include oak, beech, ash, birch and holly trees.People who live in and around the Forest are known as Foresters.
The Forest of Dean is bordered on the southeast by the River Severn and on the southwest by the River Wye, which forms most of the border with Wales.
The areas name is derived from one of the primeval forests of England.In 1939 the woodland area became the first park in England to be designated as a national forest.One of the remaining Royal Forests in England, it was originally designated by the Saxons for hunting.
The Royal Forest of Dean is home to Clearwell Caves. A unique iron mining museum that has an impressive system of underground caverns that date back to the beginning of the bronze age. The caves are hidden beneath the Forest.
Pre-Roman open cast iron mine. Maze covering 14 acres of pathways and rock ravines with secret passages and hidden doorways.
The Forest is home to Puzzle Wood which contains pre-Roman open cast iron workings and a maze covering 14 acres of pathways and rock ravines, with secret passages and hidden doorways.
The Forest has its own museum that houses a collection of artefacts that illustrates the historical importance of the area.
To the north of the Forest of Dean is the market town of Newent and the Vale of Leadon. This area provides a mixture of market gardens, farmland hills and vineyards.
The Forest of Dean is believed to have connections with author JJR Tolkien. Some believe the time he spent at Lydney Park Estate gave him the inspiration for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Author JK Rowling (of Harry Potter fame) moved to Tutshill near Chepstow, at the age of nine, and her family still live there.
It is a very beautiful place to live, whilst house prices remain at an affordable level.