SOME of the Forest’s best loved heritage sites open their doors to the public free of charge, between Thursday, September 7, and Sunday, September 10, as Heritage Open Days return to the Forest.

New additions for this year include Hopewell Colliery, St Margaret’s Church, Corse, Bream village walk, Bream Silver Band, St John the Baptist Church, Huntley, Hartpury Old School, St John the Baptist Church, Ruardean, and a guided visit to the Berry Hill Community Orchard.

Cinderford celebrates its local history with a memorabilia weekend at St Stephen’s Church. In addition, two new self-guided heritage quests celebrate the hidden gems of Ruardean and Coleford. The Coleford quest has been created using information from the burgeoning Neighbourhood Development Plan.

A spokesperson for the event said: “Events are run by volunteers who kindly give their time and experience to share their passions. Local co-ordinators, Coleford Area Partnership, are pleased to be working in conjunction with the Foresters’ Forest. We would like to invite you to revisit the story of Broadwell, explore Bream, or even to learn about ‘King of the Gypsies’ Xavier Petulengro at All Saints’ Church, Viney Hill.

“Learn more about Foresters’ Forest at Dean Heritage Centre’s open day, take an underground tour of Hopewell Colliery, guided tours of Tan House Farm, Newland, or visit Bespoke Brewery in Mitcheldean.

“Old favourites include St Briavels Castle and church, Dean Forest Railway, the Geo- map and miners’ memorial, All Saints’ Church, Newland, Newnham’s fish hut, Dean Field Studies Centre at Parkend, Dean Heritage Centre, Mitcheldean’s Town Hall, the Xerox Museum, the Secret Forest and Lydney Community Centre.

“For walkers there are opportunities to explore the miners’ trails of Newnham Bottom, Bream, Lydney docks, the landscape of the Dymock Poets or Hartpury village.

“Cyclists can even ride some of the old roads and tracks through the Forest.

“For those who prefer a talk, there are opportunities to meet the Deputy Gaveller or listen to the experts of the Forest of Dean Buildings Preservation Trust talk about the past, present and future of Whitecliff Furnace and Gunns Mill.”

Find out more about the England-wide event at www.heritageopendays.org.uk, pick up a leaflet or contact Coleford Area Partnership

on 01594 836469 or [email protected].

•Wales Open Doors, sees the Kymin, Chepstow Castle and Tintern Abbey opening free of charge. Visit www.visitmonmouthshire.com/events/open-doors-2017.aspx for dates and timings.