Meet Gerry, our Forest Ranger at Forest of Dean
Gerry is an expert in the local wildlife and is ready and eager to share his woodland skills and secrets of the forest with you. Pre-book a Forest Ranger activity and you might spot shy deer and wild boar on a Nocturnal Adventure. For the little ones, the Mini Forest Ranger activities make learning fun. Gerry will bring the forest alive for you.
Gerry O'Brien, Forest Ranger
Gerry, our Forest Ranger at Forest of Dean. Originally from Kilkenny in Ireland, Gerry has a varied and exciting history. Having spent a number of years in the military followed by years of worldwide travel adventures, Gerry is full of stories, knowledge and wisdom! Join him for a number of Forest Ranger activities during your stay and learn about the secrets of the forest!
Hobbies
Gerry loves to travel and explore our wonderful world.
Strangest question Gerry has ever been asked
"Are badgers bears?"
Episode Three: How to Make Your Garden Bird-Friendly
Host Sean Bean discovers how ponds, hedgerows and messy gardens become playgrounds for birds. This episode dives into the science behind Starling murmurations, and we hear from one of our very own Forest Rangers Gerry, as he shares his expert insight into the thriving birdlife of the Forest of Dean.
Forest Ranger joins the UK’s leading birdwatching podcast
Gerry O’Brien, our expert Forest Ranger at Forest of Dean, features on the latest episode of Get Birding, an award-winning podcast hosted by two-time BAFTA TV & International Emmy-winning actor Sean Bean, who has been a keen birdwatcher since he was a teenager growing up in Sheffield. Gerry joined the episode to share his passion for local wildlife with listeners across the country.
Get Birding aims to make birdwatching and nature accessible and joyful for everyone, everywhere. The episode sees Gerry sharing his expert knowledge of the Forest of Dean’s thriving birdlife with listeners across the UK, highlighting species that residents can spot and hear locally – from the distinctive drumming of woodpeckers to the chatter of blue tits and the call of nuthatches.
Forest Ranger activities at Forest of Dean
Outdoor adventures for the whole family
- March - June 2026
Little Wild Ones
This spring, our Forest Rangers will be introducing your Little Wild Ones to a hilarious story from bestselling author Nick Butterworth, about the much-loved Percy the Park Keeper and his animal friends in One Springy Day.
Axe Throwing
Ready, aim, throw! Our axe throwing adventure really brings out your competitive side. Learn new skills all together and put them to the test. It’s family friendly fun!
Archery
Whether you’re a total beginner or a budding Robin Hood - our archery instructors will ensure that you are hitting the target by the end of the session. A memorable experience you won’t forget.
Forest Survival
You’ll learn all sorts — like how to light a fire from scratch and how to build a woodland shelter. Then it’s time to relax around the campfire and toast some marshmallows!
Guided Woodland Walk
Join your ranger for a guided tour, taking in some unforgettable views whilst learning a thing or two about the wildlife who call our forests home. Slow down, de-stress and let nature lead the way...
Oct - June 2026Mini Forest Rangers
Become a mini bird detective! Through exciting games, crafts and immersive activities – we're putting our feathered friends into the spotlight with help from our Forest Rangers.
Sept - MarchNature by Night
Experience the forest in a whole new light as you witness the natural phenomenon of biofluorescence up close using UV technology.
