The Forest of Dean has been nominated to become Britain’s Favourite Forest in LandLove Magazine’s annual awards, with voting now open for forest fans to cast their votes for the famous ancient woodland.

Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism, who promote the Forest of Dean as a year-round destination, are thrilled that the Forest that spans three counties, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire, is in the final ten forests from around the UK.

Described by LandLove Magazine as “an ancient land at its best in autumn when its majestic trees turn a shade of gold”, the Forest of Dean is a destination visitors flock to; in the spring for the stunning bluebells, during the summer shady walks amongst the trees, mountain bike riding, canoeing and exciting attractions to visit; in the winter, frosty walks and cosy pub fires to enjoy.

Maureen McAllister, executive director of Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism, said: “The Forest of Dean is the UK’s best kept tourism secret. We have a thousand years of history and heritage that appeal to all ages.

“This is an amazing opportunity to put us on the map and tell the UK what a glorious place it is to experience. Please join team #deanwye, if you are in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire, and love the area as much as we do, then go online and vote for the Forest of Dean.”

The Forest of Dean still has its distinctive Freeminers working their mines as they have since medieval times, but looking further back into the Forest’s past, stunning landscapes, ancient monuments, and unique geological formations have inspired storytellers for thousands of years and steeped this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in thrilling tales of fantastic figures and mythical creatures. The Forest of Dean has been an inspiration for iconic figures such as Henry V and J R R Tolkien and was also the childhood home of J K Rowling, as well as providing locations for key scenes for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Votes can be cast at: www.landlove.com/awards and as an incentive, all voters will be entered in to LandLove Magazine’s prize draw to win a short break for up to four people.