THIEVES have dug up and stolen trees planted as memorials in the famous arboretum near Speech House in the heart of the Forest.
At least 10 have been taken in recent weeks.
It is believed they are repotted and sold at car boot sales.
Some of the trees were four years old and valued at around £100 each.
Disgusting
Forester Ron Jones this week described the action of the thieves as "disgusting".
He said that they had all been planted by local people in memory of members of their families who had died.
"It is heart- breaking and people have been very upset when they discover the thefts. Many of them have commemorative plaques. It is almost like stealing from a grave," he said.
Among the trees were several acer palmatums some of which were planted several years ago.
"They are beautiful trees in the autumn. We have received reports that some have been seen with their leaves drooping, having been repotted, being offered for sale at car boots," he said.
Appeal
The trees have all been stolen at night – some dug up others pulled from the ground – and Mr Jones appealed for people to keep a look-out for anyone acting suspiciously.
Information can be given to the Forestry Commission (Dean 833057) or to the police.
There have been a number of thefts of trees locally. Bay trees in tubs were taken from The Wyndham Arms at Clearwell and rare trees were stolen from a garden of a house near Coleford.