Puzzlewood () is an ancient woodland site and tourist attraction, near Coleford in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England. The site, covering , shows evidence of open-cast iron ore mining dating from the Roman period, and possibly earlier. 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'.

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 Iron ores are rocks and minerals from which metallic iron can be economically extracted. The ores are usually rich in iron oxides and vary in color from dark grey, bright yellow, or deep purple to rusty red. The iron is usually found in the fo ...

. 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.

Roman Coins

Over 3,000 Roman-era coins were found by workers in 1848. The coins were stored in three

earthenware Earthenware is glazed or unglazed nonvitreous pottery that has normally been fired below . Basic earthenware, often called terracotta, absorbs liquids such as water. However, earthenware can be made impervious to liquids by coating it with a ce ...

jars in a cavity in the rock formations. The origin of the coins is unknown.

Literary influences

Harry Potter ''Harry Potter'' is a series of seven fantasy literature, fantasy novels written by British author J. K. Rowling. The novels chronicle the lives of a young Magician (fantasy), wizard, Harry Potter (character), Harry Potter, and his friends ...

'' author J. K. Rowling has also visited Puzzlewood. The Forbidden Forest within the series bears some similarities to the geography of the area. Additionally, the forest is believed to have been an inspiration for J. R. R. Tolkien's '' The Lord of the Rings''.

Filming location

Puzzlewood has been used as a

filming location A filming location is a place where some or all of a film or television series is produced, in addition to or instead of using sets constructed on a movie studio backlot or soundstage. In filmmaking, a location is any place where a film crew wil ...

for both film and television in recent years. Notable examples include:
Films * '' Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1'' (2010) * '' Jack the Giant Slayer'' (2013) * '' Star Wars: The Force Awakens'' (2015) * '' The Huntsman: Winter's War'' (2016) * ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'' (2016) * ''The Secret Garden'' (2020) Television * ''Doctor Who'' (2005-present) (''

Flesh and Stone "Flesh and Stone" is the fifth episode of the fifth series of the British science fiction television series ''Doctor Who''. Written by Steven Moffat and directed by Adam Smith, the episode was first broadcast on 1 May 2010 on BBC One. Featuring ...

'') * ''Merlin'' (2008-2012) * '' Wizards vs Aliens'' (2012-2014) * '' Tree Fu Tom'' (2012-2016) * ''Atlantis'' (2013-2015) * '' Da Vinci's Demons'' (2013-2015) * ''

Hidden Kingdoms ''Hidden Kingdoms'' is a British documentary television series that was first broadcast on BBC One on 16 January 2014. The three-part series is narrated by Stephen Fry and shows how animals experience the world from their perspective. Animals sh ...

'' (2014) * '' The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance'' (2019) *'' Cursed'' (2020-present)

References

External links

PuzzlewoodPhotographs of Puzzlewood and surrounding area on geograph
{{coord, 51.780, -2.615, type:landmark_region:GB, display=title Forests and woodlands of Gloucestershire Forest of Dean