OUR own Forest has beaten stiff competition from across the UK to be named the best in Britain.

The Forest of Dean was named as the best in a competition run by Landlove Magazine, which described it as, “an ancient land at its best in autumn when its majestic trees turn a shade of gold”.

Thousands of people from the UK, Europe and the USA cast their votes across 10 categories.  They recognised the Forest of Dean for its landmarks, activities, history, artisan producers, wildlife and places to eat.

Acting editor, Lauren Morton, said: “This year many of the categories were neck and neck right until the end when we saw several popular names take the lead.

“We saw a lot of social media buzz from our nominees, some posting weekly mentions of our awards which were hotly contested, especially at the end.

“We’re grateful to the nominees for their promotion of their nominations and we know that its success is partly down to their efforts. Congratulations to the winners.”

Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism, which promotes the area as a year-round all-weather destination, is thrilled that the public vote topped the poll.

Maureen McAllister, executive director of Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism, said: “We’re thrilled to have won this award, which recognises the incredible history, heritage and exciting activities that take place in the Forest today.  The area has experienced a surge in visitor numbers for the past few years as word spreads about its stunning natural habitats, activities, food and drink.

“Everyone who lives and works in the Forest of Dean or who has visited it knows what a unique and wonderful place it is, but now

it’s officially Britain’s favourite forest.

“Visitors flock to the area for different reasons: every spring the stunning bluebells carpet the glade and this year sees the return of the Wye Valley River Festival in May. In summer tourists love the outdoors, shady walks, mountain bike riding, canoeing and exciting or historic attractions.

“As LandLove Magazine cited, autumn is a time when the Forest is ablaze with colour as

the canopy’s colour changes. In the winter, it’s an escape from the city, attracting visitors to its frosty walks and cosy pub fires.

“The Forest of Dean still has Freeminers working their mines just as they have since medieval times and its stunning landscapes, ancient monuments, and unique geological formations have inspired storytellers and steeped the area in thrilling tales of fantastic figures and mythical creatures.”

The Forest was home to iconic figures such as Henry V, Dennis Potter and J K Rowling and inspired J R R Tolkien. It has also provided locations for blockbuster films such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Any business interested in being part of Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism should visit www.wyedean

tourism.co.uk or contact [email protected].