Geology of our Forest
The Forest has a complex geological history, with some of the oldest rocks in Gloucestershire, and these have massively influenced the landscape, history, culture and economy of the local area.
All this is revealed with our app 'Geo Heritage of the Dean'
Through 11 walk routes the app explores the geology, coal and iron mining heritage of the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Introducing us to the rocks beneath the Forest and exploring ‘deep time’ – learning how the rocks of the Forest formed over 500 million years of Earth history. The routes take you on an adventure through the ‘geoheritage’ of this unique and fascinating area located between the rivers Severn and Wye.
You can even walk with dinosaurs during the 'Deep Time Walk'!
The app is available for Android and Apple users, just visit your relevant app store to download, it’s FREE!
Download the Geoheritage app from the Apple iStore or Google Play Store
What has the project delivered?
This project succeeded in preserving, promoting and recording the geological gems of the Forest in a variety of ways:
- Helping us understand the Forest’s ancient geological past through a series of walks and talks
- Explaining how the flora and fauna have evolved through the Forest
- Teaching us about the Geological influence over social development: mining history and building stones
- Creation of a the 'Geo Heritage of the Dean' App. The app provides 11 self-guided walks in the Forest of Dean to reveal and explain the hidden geology of the Forest of Dean. See short film below:
- Production of a 'Geology of the Forest of Dean' teaching pack for Forest of Dean Schools. See introductory video:
How can I get involved?
Local geologists often organise guided walks and talks across the Forest of Dean area.
Click here to go to the Gloucestershire Geology Trust website.