Meet the Forest of Dean team
A little insight into the people you may see during your stay
Emily Bowes
Deputy General Manager
Emily is our Deputy General Manager at Forest of Dean and assists with all areas on location, from welcoming our guests on their holiday, helping out in the Forest Retreat to working alongside maintenance. Her favourite place to visit in the local area is Puzzlewood, an ancient magical woodland where popular films have been filmed. Emily enjoys exploring Symonds Yat and Mailscot Forest Trail and her rarest wildlife sighting is Peregrine Falcons.
What is your favourite forest activity?
"Finding streams and ponds for my 8-month-old Lab and 7-year-old daughter to play in."
Jessica Bateson
Forest Retreat Manager
Jessica can be found at the Forest Retreat assisting our guests and supporting our team to deliver great service. Her favourite place to visit in the local area is Symmonds Yat. She loves spending time here and exploring the forest walks close to Cinderford and the Speech House. Jessica's favourite forest activity is Ultimate Forest Survival, where you learn how to build shelter, forage for food and toast marshmallows on the fire.
What is your favourite British animal?
"It has to be ‘Prof’, our Forest Ranger’s 16 year old Barn Owl! If you book an activity with Gerry, Prof sometimes makes an appearance."
Gerry O'Brien
Forest Ranger
Our Forest Ranger Gerry leads interactive wildlife adventures around the forest for our guests. If you see him on your break you may even get to meet the Professor, his captive bred Barn Owl. Gerry loves exploring the local area for ancient woodland with layers history, such as Little Doward Hillfort and King Arthur's cave. His favourite woodland area at Forest of Dean is where he carries out his Forest Bathing activity. It has a peaceful atmosphere while surrounded by incredible Oak trees.
Which is your favourite cabin at Forest of Dean?
"Cabin 54 holds fond memories as it was my first summer here and a wild boar sow gave birth to her piglets underneath the cabin. It caused quite a stir on site!"
