Forest of Dean

It's a lovely area, Roger, we visit frequently. Can only remember 2 occasions when we actually came across boars when walking with the dogs (on leads) and they scampered pretty quickly when they heard us coming. Don't think there's anything to worry about as a visitor, though they're undoubtedly a nuisance to the locals. Go for it! 

Has there been a bit of ‘wilding’ going on? You’re probably more at risk from urban types trying to shoot them! 😉

With mates of Bojos wives living down there anything is possible. Some also for a long time on the Roaches in Staffordshire

We have been regularly visiting the Forest of Dean over the last few years. 

We have only encountered wild Boar once, although after the lockdowns they had certainly enjoyed the lack of people. We did spot some while walking at Nagshead, the dog actually sensed them first and they quickly disappeared. Just keep your dogs on a lead in the forest and enjoy the area.

I lived on the edge of the Forest as a child.  Sheep were the problem.  Ancient rights allowed for them to wander.  Many individual houses or streets had to have cattle grids to prevent incursion.  At lambing time and just after it was really dangerous as mother sheep and young could be totally unpredictable as to which way they jumped!  In a car, you do not want to argue with a full grown sheep!  If they got into your garden they could destroy it.

The sheep were then culled (foot & mouth from memory - but could be wrong)  I think some returned some time later.  The wild boar came from an unauthorised release (and an escape) They have since become feral.

The old foresters just dealt with it, albeit with some grumbling.  The perception was that the human population changed - and the area became more upmarket.  The newcomers were less than happy with  roaming live stock.

But although wild boar can cause a lot of damage, they will generally run if they sense humans.  As most live stock, always more dangerous if they have young.

Many thanks to all those who replied on the Q of wild boars and dogs in the FoD.