EXPLORING the past of the Forest of Dean – for many years the Cinderella of archaeological work in the county – is to receive a massive boost.
An extensive new survey is to be launched in the New Year and two project workers have been assigned to collate the finds.
"In recent years a considerable amount of work has been undertaken by organisations such as the Dean Archaeological Group. There has, however, been relatively little large scale and systematic exploration," says county archaeology service project officer Jon Hoyle.
"When compared to other parts of Gloucestershire, the Forest of Dean has fewer known archaeological site for most periods," he said.
"The area administered by the Forest of Dean District Council represents about 20 per cent of the county land area yet contains only about seven per cent of the county's scheduled ancient monuments."
The project workers will be working in close cooperation with local experts such as Forest council heritage officer Bill Cronin, Forest Enterprise officers, the Dean Heritage Museum and the Dean Archaeological Group (DAG).
Newly-elected DAG director of archaeology Jasper Blake told the Review: "It's a very exciting initiative for all of us. DAG was responsible for 80 per cent of additions to the County Sites and Monuments Record so far this year, and we will continue to assist in various ways.
"We have had an influx of new members in recent months, partly thanks to our Parkend open day, and we want to involve them in the survey and other projects."
As part of the programme of training DAG is launching a 10-week evening course on Landscape Archaeology at the Royal Forest of Dean College, starting on January 8th (details on 810283). Many of its recent finds are likely to be displayed at the Dean Heritage Centre.
• 'We can't see our ancient treasures for trees' (see centre spread).