THE first steps were being taken this week to rescue Gunn's Mill Blast Furnace, near Flaxley, believed to be one of the earliest structures of its kind in England.
The 17th century charcoal-fired furnace and Grade II listed mill buildings have been in considerable disrepair in recent years and English Heritage described them as being in a "perilous" condition.
On Monday scaffolding erectors began work on making the building weathertight with a protective cover.
Dr Kevin Brown of English Heritage, who visited the site on Tuesday this week, said: "Gunn's Mill Furnace is a key element in the industrial history of the Forest of Dean.
"It pre-dates the Victorian Bessemer industrial furnaces by over 50 years and is the only visible example of its kind remaining in this area. Its preservation is crucial.
"We are very keen to hear from any organisation and members of the public who are interested in becoming involved with its regeneration."
The owner of the building, Mr Bill Parker, said he was delighted with the steps being taken by English Heritage.
"I hope that their recognition of its significance in illustrating the history of both the British iron industry in general and the Forest of Dean in particular will ensure its conservation.
"That is why I bought it in the first place, so this is something of a dream come true."