THE way the Forest was and the way it is today has been explored by a group of local young people who have turned their investigations into an interactive DVD.

The project, guided by Ros Daniels, was successfully launched at The Wilderness Centre, Mitcheldean, on Sunday where the DVD was premiered.

Ros described the project as a great success. It involved a core group of 10 young people from all parts of the Forest.

Named 'Making our Mark' the team explored the creative culture and heritage of the Forest and turned their experiences into photographs, videos, music, reports and interviews.

"They worked with great enthusiasm and really enjoyed the project. It meant working with other young people and organisations including Cinderford Artspace, Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust and the Dean Heritage Museum. There was even a visit to meet a group doing a similar project in Liverpool which enabled them to contrast life in a city with the way we live here," said Ros.

Young people involved included Sheldon Pritchard, of Littledean, Ollie Curruthers of Berry Hill, Ellie Matthews of Lydbrook, Tilly and Paigle Turpin-West of The Pludds, and Lydia Halford of Cinderford.

Items visited included leisure, youth culture, commoning and freemining.

The project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.