A GROUP of people passionately concerned about an area of ancient woodland are appealing for a full archaeological survey of its many treasures.
The Friends of Chestnuts Woods are also holding an open day at the United Reform Church in Littledean this Saturday (11.30am-3.30pm) to display maps of the Chestnuts and Welshbury Woods and some of the artifacts found there.
Back in 1994 the Friends first brought the importance of an unscheduled hill fort at Welshbury to the attention of Forest Enterprise, and an initial survey has revealed a complex history dating back to the second millennium BC.
"Now Friends of Chestnuts Woods are requesting that an archaeological survey be carried out in Chestnuts Wood before any felling operations take place," said chairman Phil Horsley.
He said they made the call because of the significance of the site in relation to Flaxley, Welshbury and the Temple site at Littledean.
This was strengthened by the numerous artifacts found on site by the Dean Archaeology Group and local residents.
He added: "We hope that people will take this opportunity to come along on Saturday to meet committee members and add their support for a detailed archaeological survey.
"Any information they would like to add would be most welcome."