THE FUTURE of two of the Forest's major attractions – the adventure centres at The Biblins and Bracelands – is in the balance.

Owned by The Forestry Commission but leased by Gloucestershire County Council, the centres attract hundreds of youngsters to the district every year.

The county council say that as part of a review of adventure centres used by the youth and community service they are considering whether or not to retain the leases.

They say a final decision has yet to be made but if the leases were not renewed "it is likely that the service would continue to use the sites and that Forest Enterprise could offer the use of the centres to a wider range of organisations."

Forest Enterprise say they will continue to let Biblins and bookings would be taken through the campsite booking office.

However the future of Bracelands was less certain.

"At the moment we have no idea what its new life will be. It will be shuttered and boarded while a decision is taken," said a spokesperson.

It was confirmed that a number of enquiries had been received about Bracelands, some from prospective purchasers who would like to turn the property into a private house and others to use it as an adventure centre.

The Wye Valley centres have been used by the county council for over 30 years, and have provided outdoor activities for thousands of local schoolchildren.

"They certainly provided a boost for the local economy," the Review was told. "It seems an unusual decision to take at a time when everyone is trying to talk-up the Forest as the place to visit."

The Review understands the county council has recently spent over £40,000 renewing the roof at Bracelands.