FOLLOWING the death of Clearwell Caves owner Ray Wright, the search is now on to find a fourth Verderer, a historic role, which involves overseeing the protection of the Forest, its timber, and the deer, and animals within it.

The Verderers, who are appointed to their position by the reigning monarch, meet at the Speech House Hotel, in a room known as the Verderer’s Court, which was purpose built for them, around 400 years ago. But the traditional role of the Verderers goes back much further, and the appointment has some arcane and archaic customs and regulations. As their website explains: “There are four Verderers for the Forest of Dean - just as there have been for at least seven centuries.

“The qualification for a Verderer continues by custom – there are no official conditions or regulations. A qualification is to own land within or near the Forest, have good health, and be free from other engrossing duties.

“Verderers are elected for life; unless removed by the sovereign because they were incapacitated by age or illness, or by reason of insufficient qualification. They receive no fee, salary or perquisite anciently it was a buck and a doe annually (not taken since the 19th century). They cannot be put on assizes or juries, nor act as coroners.

“The Verderers now usually meet four times a year when they consider issues of relevance to the ‘vert’, (the woodlands and open lands), and ‘venison’, ( the deer), within the Statutory Forest of Dean.

“They advise the Deputy Surveyor and his staff on topical issues, and also make representations to other administering bodies on issues affecting their interests. The Verderers also oversee sheep grazing by being represented on the multi-agency sheep liaison group.”

Important legislation associated with the fulfilment of their role includes: The Dean Forest (Timber) Act 1808, The Wildlife Creatures and Forest Laws Act 1971, and The Forestry Act 1981.