THE daughter of an avid collector of books about the Forest reckons he would approve of his library going to a local school.

The extensive collection was compiled over many years by the late Trevor Baynham who was born in Broadwell 96 years ago.

His daughter Mary contacted the Reading the Forest project in search of a good home for the books.

Reading the Forest co-ordinator Dr Jason Griffiths then suggested Lydbrook Primary, which has been developing an innovative curriculum based on the Forest.

Dr Griffiths said: “I knew straight away where they would have the biggest impact.

“As part of the Foresters’ Forest landscape partnership programme Lydbrook Primary School have been developing their curriculum to make links with the local landscape and community,” he explained.

Mary travelled with her husband from Northamptonshire to present the book collection and met three members of the school and staff on Monday afternoon.

“We’re happy for any excuse to revisit the Forest,” said Mary, “and we are really plea-sed the books are going to such a good home.

“(My father) loved books and throughout his life he was a great user of public libraries,” she added.

“He never lost his love for the Forest.

“He was interested in people and learning, and so would be thrilled to think that his books were going to be used in a school in the Forest.

“I know he would hope that they would help to kindle in others an enthusiasm and love of the Forest that would last a lifetime,” said Mary.

Mr Baynham was born at Forest House, Baynham’s Walk, Broadwell in 1923 and worked as a ‘Bevin Boy’ miner underground at Cannop Colliery between 1942 and 1947.

He was a public health inspector for many years after the war and lived with his wife Sylvia in Malmesbury, Wiltshire.

Lydbrook Primary School headteacher Simon Lusted said: “We’re thrilled about being given these books.

“They will be a great resource for our teachers and pupils as they continue to find out more about the Forest”.

The primary school recently featured on BBC1 television’s Countryfile programme showing pupils working on a local reptile survey.