This ancient forest has changed many times over the centuries. In medieval times it was a royal hunting forest, before becoming a source of timber for the navy's Tudor warships. By Victorian times it was a major site of industry, with coal mining and tramways punctuating the landscape.

In 1938 the Forest was designated the first National Forest Park and today the Forest of Dean is a popular destination for tourists.

Volunteers can get involved in as much or as little as they like.  Helping us with tasks such as litter picking, tree guard removal, to tree planting, trail maintenance and conservation works.  It's a fun way to meet new people and learn new skills.  Here are just some of the groups and tasks they carry out.

Beechenhurst volunteers 

The Forest of Dean provides the perfect venue for a range of events. If you are interested in holding an event here you will need to apply first so that we can ensure your event doesn't clash with anything else happening in the forest, such as forest operations work. 

Once we know your needs we can advise you to make sure your event is a success. Please contact us at least 12 weeks before your proposed event. 

parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.

These events take place in pleasant forest surroundings and people of every ability are encouraged to take part. From those taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience; everyone is welcome.

The Forest of Dean is a historic forest with its origins as a royal forest pre-dating the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Forest has been historically isolated and bypassed, sitting as it does between the Rivers Severn and Wye, on the border of England and Wales.

Support the forests you love

Become a member of the Forest of Dean and enjoy family adventures, stunning scenic walks, waterside picnics, endless days of fun throughout the seasons.

This membership includes free car parking for a whole year at the following locations:

Stay in one of Britain's most beautiful forests, in a secluded location offering a retreat from the everyday.

Surround yourself in a maze of forest walks, trails and meadow, and enjoy the timeless landscape of woodlands, rivers, hills and valleys. With underfloor heating, log burners, incredible views and even your own outdoor hot tub, this Forest Holiday is one you aren't likely to forget.

What is forest bathing?

This Japanese practice is a process of relaxation; known in Japan as shinrin yoku. The simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply can help both adults and children de-stress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way.

Here in the Forest of Dean, we have several certified guides that can lead you through the fundamental principles of the practice.

British Cycling and Forestry England have teamed up to offer free, women-only group cycle rides for all abilities in the nation’s forests. Every group ride is led by a qualified Breeze into the Forest Champion who will organise everything and make sure everyone stays safe.

British Cycling and Forestry England have teamed up to offer free, women-only group cycle rides for all abilities in the nation’s forests. Every group ride is led by a qualified Breeze into the Forest Champion who will organise everything and make sure everyone stays safe.

British Cycling and Forestry England have teamed up to offer free, women-only group cycle rides for all abilities in the nation’s forests. Every group ride is led by a qualified Breeze into the Forest Champion who will organise everything and make sure everyone stays safe.

The Forest of Dean offers fantastic learning opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, including the opportunity to become a ranger for the day at Beechenhurst with our new Ranger in a Bag activity.

Working in partnership with Highways, we will be felling along roadways in the Forest of Dean.  For safety reasons we will be working in sections and under full road closures for a time. This page provides more information about the work we're doing.

Give your class the opportunity to become rangers for the day with our easy-to-use, self-contained Ranger in a Bag. 

Our bags support you to deliver learning about forests at your own pace with experiential activities, scenarios and role play. Packed with practical tasks, they are curriculum linked and flexible to fit a range of learning outcomes.

Ranger in a Bag is suitable for children aged 4 – 11, with enough resources for 35 children. They cost £35 per bag.

For over 100 years, we have been growing, shaping and caring for the Forest of Dean for the benefit and enjoyment of all, for this generation and the next.

Shaping the landscape for people, wildlife and timber. Supplying sustainably-sourced timber, conserving plant and animal species, recovering vital ecosystems and returning missing species to our landscapes. 

Visitors with permanent or temporary limited mobility can hire one of two ‘Walking with Wheels’  trampers through the Countryside Mobility Scheme, that is supported by Forest Voluntary Action Forum and part-funded by Foresters’ Forest National Lottery Heritage funded programme.

Trampers are off-road mobility scooters, which are easy to use and able to tackle a range of surfaces and gradients come rain or shine. You do not have to be registered disabled to hire a Tramper.

Forest of Dean Cycle Centre (formerly known as Cannop Cycle Centre) has something for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Try the Family Cycle Trail or test yourself on the singletrack trails and demanding downhill runs. We also have several skills areas for different abilities, plus a pump track - to help you hone your skills.

About wild boar

Wild boar are stocky, powerful animals covered in bristly hair that can vary from dark brown almost black in colour to gingery brown. Mature males have tusks that protrude from the mouth. Females also have tusks, but these do not protrude.

Horse riding is welcome in the Forest of Dean on byways, bridleways and hard stone tracks.  

Hard stone tracks, or category one forest roads, are often indicated on ordnance survey maps in white with a broken black outline.

To avoid damage to paths, tracks and to reduce the risk of injury to rider and horse please refrain from riding on paths and soft tracks.

Plan your perfect visit by choosing from the range of self-guided activities below.

Mix and match based on your preferences or get in touch and we can help organise your day.

Free introductory talks

Request a free introductory talk from a member of Forestry England staff to tell your class more about the forest, its trees and wildlife. Please note that these talks must be booked in advance and are subject to staff availability.

Switch off, relax, get back to basics and nature with a unique camping experience in the Forest of Dean.

Gather your friends and family, snuggle up in your sleeping bag and take in the beautiful night sky at Bracelands campsite. With 520 pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, this is the perfect location for a camping adventure! 

Surrounded by the forest, you will have direct access to miles of paths and unique experiences on your doorstep at the Forest of Dean.

Check where you can ride

Forest of Dean Cycle Centre provides the perfect venue for a range of events. If you are interested in holding an event here you will need to apply first so that we can ensure your event doesn't clash with anything else happening in the forest, such as forest operations work. 

Once we know your needs we can advise you to make sure your event is a success. Please contact us at least 12 weeks before your proposed event. 

Looking to hone your mountain bike skills? We have a number of experienced coaches who can you help you reach the next level of riding.

The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre is the perfect place to develop your riding technique, with trails and skills areas for all abilities. Whether you are an experienced rider, or if you've just bought your first bike, our approved providers can help you improve your skills, allowing you to ride with more confidence. 

The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre Café, operated by Pedalabikeaway, serves freshly-prepared hot and cold food with locally sourced produce. Pop in for a coffee and slice of home-made cake, delicious soup, or our famous loaded FOD burger.

There’s plenty of seating outside for the summer, or if you're feeling chilly head inside for cosy log-burning stove. A range of food options are on offer including:

Forest of Dean Forest Runner

Be a forest runner and join us in our running series across the nation’s forests this autumn. The profits from Forest Runner sales help us grow, shape and care for your local forest, now and for future generations.

Whether you are a 5k or a 10k Forest Runner, choose your challenge and enjoy a run in some beautiful surroundings.

Forest of Dean Forest Runner

Be a forest runner and join us in our running series across the nation’s forests this autumn. The profits from Forest Runner sales help us grow, shape and care for the nation's forests, now and for future generations.

Voted the Best Blue Trail in England by Mountain Biking UK in 2021, the Verderers Trail is an exciting and adventurous ride.

This red-graded trail has 3 loop options and features challenging and varied singletrack, with a mix of natural and manmade features. From tricky switchback climbs, rooty drops and boardwalks to tabletop jumps and tight descents through the trees.