This year, Heritage Open Days has been extended to cover two weekends; September 6th to 9th and September 13th to 16th.

In the Forest of Dean it has been possible to provide 40 events in total, some being walks whilst others are venues. All of these can be found on www.heritageopendays.org.uk under Gloucestershire. The Coleford Area Partnership has arranged for 15,000 leaflets to be printed and circulated. Every effort has been made to ensure that these are available in Forest towns and some villages.

This is the eighth year that the Partnership has taken on this responsibility in the Forest of Dean. Details are also available on the Wyedean Tourism website: www.wyedeantourism.co.uk

While all events are free to explore, availability is limited on some, especially in buildings and bookings are necessary.

Unlike cities and larger areas, the Forest of Dean does not have huge country houses where wealthy merchants lived, but the Forest does have a wonderful and varied heritage which is shown in this year’s programme. From the very rocks on which the area is built to its flora and fauna, the Forest of Dean has a great deal to offer.

From the Geomap at New Fancy, near Speech House, to the story of the Roman sacred site at Littledean and the story of the Verderers, to how the Free Miners still work in the area, the ancient trees and latest arrivals at Greathough Brook, the Forest has a very different tale to tell.

This year, several churches will be opening their doors on September 8th to coincide with the Ancient Churches Charity Ride and Stride event that is raising funds to assist with grants for churches seeking to improve their buildings. Each and every one of the buildings has a story to tell about how its own community has grown over the years.

You are welcome to call the Coleford Area Partnership office in the mornings on 01594 836469 to learn more.