Forest of Dean - Clearwell (Puzzle Wood)

Nearest town: Coleford

Site type: woodland

Access: Public

Church name: No Data

Diocese: No Data

County: Gloucestershire

Country: England

Grid ref: SO57700920

Lost yew site: No

Date visited: 28-Jul-07

Recorded by: Tim Hills

Protection & responsibility: No data

Yews recorded at this site: Notable

Notes: Puzzle Wood is in private ownership and there is an entrance fee. The paths are thought to have been first laid out as long ago as the early 1800s. The wood is part of Lambsquay Mines, shallow mines known locally as scowles, which date back to before the Romans, some 2700 years ago. There are several scowles in this area, but most are too dangerous to fully explore. At Puzzle Wood dozens of old wild yews can be viewed in safety. In the first photo a branch grows downwards and across a ravine, before taking root on the far side.