3.Geology

The geology of the Forest of Dean has shaped it fundamentally not just the topography and land cover but its settlement patterns and its history and culture. There is evidence of iron ore smelting and coal extraction since roman times and possibilities of its extraction as early as the iron age from exposed seams. The coal fields are largely confined to the sediments of carboniferous limestone beneath the core forest. The evidence for smelting and iron awe extraction comes from the area of the Forest Ring and the pattern of settlement corresponds to the same area. There is a large number of Scowls, sites where iron awe has been exposed at the surface. These were often the sites of early iron smelting industry most probably pre roman in date. Exact dates are hard to establish as the sites were often revisited as technology to extract the iron improved. As early as the 16th century sites were being revisited to collect the remnant ore from earlier workings. The fertile soils of the rolling pasture to the north of the Severn area have been farmed since the Iron Age evidenced by ancient field systems and enclosures.(Gloucestershire County Council,2012). The study area has also been a centre for quarrying of stone particularly in the north west and into the Wye valley. Quarrying for mill stone, building stone and sand and gravel are all in evidence and the remains of the quarries still exist. This is relevant for an number of reasons in the decision making process of deciding the location of the new settlement. The presence of quarry pits can be seen as a constraint and an opportunity depending on the nature of the quarry and the design approach of the settlement. Some of the larger disused quarries may be suitable for development and add character and sense of place to the settlement. Each site would need to be looked at on its own merit and this will be done in the more detailed short listing of the selection process. the geology of the district is still of economic relevance and freemining and mineral extraction are components of the core strategy. The placing of the new settlement could be within proximity of potential geological reserves of coal and iron but should not be an impediment to future plans to develop potential industrial sites.

CARBONIFEROUS

CARBONIFEROUS SANDSTONE

SANDSTONE