Free parking; changes afoot at the Dean Heritage Centre
From the 1st November it is now free to park at the Dean Heritage Centre. This move has been made to enable locals and visitors to use the Centre car park area as a base for walks in the beautiful woodlands around Soudley.
Emma Smith, Centre manager, explained. "The Dean Heritage Centre is completely dependent on the entrance fee from visitors to the Museum areas and woodland trail. The parking charge was introduced, in line with car park charges in Forestry Commission car parks, to help with the Centre's income. However, we want Forest residents to enjoy the area around Soudley, as well as visit the Centre to help youngsters learn about the heritage of their Forest families, as easily as possible."
The Dean Heritage Centre was established to provide a vital focus for the history of the people of the Forest of Dean, however, as well as viewing the museum exhibits, visitors can also purchase locally-made craft items, some made on site by the local woodcarvers. There are also regular exhibitions by Forest artists and community groups.