About Pan Tod Viewpoint
In 2017 the family of the Ernie Jones ,a long time resident , installed a monument commemorating miners who had lost their lives in Forest of Dean pits.
In 2012 the beacon was deemed to be a grass fire risk so a stone plinth was added beneath it to lessen the risk. The funding for this was raised through community events like barbecues, picnics and musical events.
In 2008 the friends raised a significant amount of funds to install both the beacon and the crouching miner memorial with a topographic map on his back. The beacon is lit as the official beacon of the Forest of Dean upon request of the Kings official pageant master to mark national events.
In the 1980 's work started clearing of gorse and fern with the support of the Forestry commission a gravel road and small car park was added. The team of volunteers ,mostly retired residents of Ruardean Hill worked hard to improve the area. Eventually through local fundraising events and the generosity of local firms (Hale & co and Forest of Dean stone) a second hand ride on was purchased. This was the beginning of the lovely mown area you see today.
Death of queen Elizabeth II
Union flag at half mast to remember Elizabeth II on 8 september 2022
The flag pole ,which had been a Victorian Diamond Jubilee addition , was reintroduced in 1975 with a base being added at a later date. The friends take responsibility for raising the flag on specific occasions throughout the year.
2021/ 2022 saw the reintroduction of a wildlife pond although not on the original sight which was on the right of the track approaching the beacon .It didn't take long for the frogs ,water boatmen and pond skaters to take up residence and we hope this will continue to attract wildlife to the area.
2022/2023 saw the planting of a community space with additional fruit trees and foraging plants being donated by Forestry England and planted by the friends and local school children. This area was planted very specifically so as not to spoil the magnificent views. The view across to sugarloaf mountain have for some years been obscured but the friends are hopeful that at sometime in the future with cooperation from the local farmer that the view maybe restored and the beacon once again be seen in wales. There is currently an open pathway where the welsh mountains can be viewed. It was also the year when thanks to Drybrook parish council , Gloucestershire county council build back better scheme we were able to purchase our first NEW ride on mower capable of towing an harrow . To repair continuing boar damage on a small scale. This enables us to keep the area respectable for our many visitors.
Create Your Own Website With Webador