The Hidden Heritage of the Forest of Dean

All can now explore the Forest of Dean's Hidden Heritage in a series of mobile applications. The two 'Hidden Heritage' apps are an exciting new way to explore the Forest of Dean using modern technology to bring historic areas to life. Using them is like taking a step back in time, showing you the Forest’s industrial past in a series of magical Then and Now images. The apps are free to download from the Apple iStore or Google Play Store (links below).

1. Hidden Heritage of the Dean

The first Hidden Heritage app follows the route of Forestry England’s Family Cycle Trail and as you move along the path your location is tracked on a 1920s vintage OS map using GPS so that it triggers a message when you are near a Point Of Interest for example ‘You have discovered Dilke Bridge’. At each of these sites the app will show you fading Then and Now images that bring the history of the Forest to life. One new user said ‘I never knew Beechenhurst looked like that’, after seeing an image of the Speech House Colliery that used to stand on what is now the Beechenhurst field.

See how many of the following places you recognise! Download the app from Google Play here or iTunes here.

2. Coleford's Hidden Heritage

Explore Coleford, the birthplace of modern steel by following a 7 mile route around this historic market town. Just a group of cottages in 1275, Coleford is now one of the Forest of Dean's main towns. Discover Coleford's rich history through Then and Now images at 31 points of interest. Learn how Coleford was once at the forefront of the developing national iron and steel industry. Shorter routes and routes avoiding inclines are optional.

The map shows selected places of interest and your location is tracked by GPS (no phone signal required on route). When near a place of interest the GPS triggers a "You have discovered..." message showing you where you are.

Download the app from Google Play here or iTunes here.