A MOVE to Parkend inspired Forest Bard Dave Harvey to pen another poem.

Dave had lived with his wife Joan in Sunnybank, Coleford for 49 years but following her death he decided to move to a smaller place.

He now lives in smaller bungalow in Parkend owned by Two Rivers housing association.

Dave said: "When Two Rivers showed me where it was I knew it was perfect for me.

"What more could you want – living right in the heart of the land that I love."

He was so moved he wrote a poem and sent it to the team at Two Rivers to thank them.

The former miner started writing poetry 18 years ago, inspired by a walk through the woods, and has been writing prolifically ever since.

He has been interviewed on Canadian radio and appeared on a BBC programme recently with historian Michael Woods.

Dave added: "I'd like to pass on my life experiences to people and to share my love of this beautiful place.

"Some poems make me happy and others sad, but everything I write is truthful, from the heart and from the many encounters of my 74 years in the Forest."