Ward in Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England
| Coordinates: | 51.859, -2.528 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SO 63 17 |
| Dialling code: | 01989 (Ross-on-Wye) |
The Mitcheldean, Ruardean and Drybrook area sits in the western part of the Forest of Dean district of Gloucestershire, set among ancient woodland, rolling hills and small valleys. Mitcheldean is the larger settlement with a compact high street, Ruardean occupies higher ground with broad views and a village feel, and Drybrook nestles close to the forest edge; the landscape lends itself to walking, cycling and other outdoor pursuits, with sightlines towards the Wye Valley and nearby Monmouth.
Historically the communities grew up around the Forest’s ironworking, coal and timber industries and later small-scale manufacturing, and vestiges of that industrial past remain in old chapels and yard buildings. Today the local economy is a mix of light industry, local services and commuting to larger centres such as Coleford and Gloucester, while village halls, pubs, clubs and seasonal fêtes keep a strong community life.
GL17 9BA, GL17 0YL, GL17 9UG, GL17 0DB, GL17 0DD, GL17 0AU, GL17 9HB, GL17 0BT, GL17 0SN … See all