Puzzlewood

Puzzlewood (grid reference SO578092) is an ancient woodland site and tourist attraction, near Coleford in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England.[1][2] The site, covering 14 acres (5.7 ha), shows evidence of open cast iron ore mining dating from the Roman period, and possibly earlier.

Puzzlewood
Puzzlewood in Gloucestershire
Part of Puzzlewood showing a typical scene of tree roots, rocks and moss

Over a mile of pathways were laid down in the early 19th century to provide access to the woods, and provide picturesque walks. The area contains strange rock formations, secret caves and ancient trees, with a confusing maze of paths.

The site is listed as a regionally important geological site in the 'Forest of Dean Local Plan Review'.[3]

Geology

The geological features on show at Puzzlewood are known as scowles. Scowles originated through the erosion of natural cave systems formed in the Carboniferous Limestone many millions of years ago. Uplift and erosion caused the cave system to become exposed at the surface. This was then exploited by Iron Age settlers through to Roman times for the extraction of iron ore. It is usually impossible to date open cast extraction precisely, although ores with a chemical signature consistent with those from the Forest of Dean were certainly used to make tools and weapons in the late prehistoric period.[4]

Roman Coins

Over 3,000 Roman-era coins were found by workers in 1848. The coins were stored in three earthenware jars in a cavity in the rock formations. The origin of the coins is unknown.[5]

Literary influences

Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling has also visited Puzzlewood. The Forbidden Forest within the series bears some similarities to the geography of the area.[6]

Filming location

Puzzlewood has been used as a filming location for both film and television in recent years. Notable examples include:

Films

Television

References
  1. "Puzzlewood attraction". Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 3 November 2014.
  2. "Area map with overviews". Custom dress shIrts. Archived from the original on 11 February 2004. Retrieved 3 November 2014.
  3. Forest of Dean District Local Plan Review, adopted November 2005, Appendix D 'Nature Conservation Site Designations Within the Forest of Dean District', Regionally important Geological Sites (RIGS), Item 22
  4. "Gloucestershire County Council Information Sheet: The Scowles of the Forest of Dean". Archived from the original on 18 August 2006. Retrieved 3 November 2014.
  5. "The Wood – a brief history". puzzlewood.net. Archived from the original on 4 December 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  6. Ashcroft, David. "Puzzlewood". On Landscape. Archived from the original on 22 August 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  7. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 13 January 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 13 January 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  9. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 13 January 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  10. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 13 January 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  11. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 27 July 2018. Retrieved 13 January 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  12. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2 November 2014. Retrieved 2 May 2010.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  13. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 13 January 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  14. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 13 January 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 13 January 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  16. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 13 January 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  17. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 13 January 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2020.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

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