West Country (E) Forest of Dean News

People opposed to a cull of wild boar in the Forest of Dean are due to stage a protest this lunchtime. The Forestry Commission wants to shoot around 100 of the animals which have been blamed for causing widespread damage.

A group called Friends of the Boar plans to demonstrate outside Commission offices in Coleford.

• UK
• Boar cull
• Forest of Dean

Damage caused by wild boar in Gloucestershire has led to calls for more to be done about controlling the animals. It's estimated there are between 400 - 500 of them roaming free in the Forest of Dean.

But some have been wandering into towns and causing damage. They've even wrecked part of a golf course.

Our Gloucestershire correspondent Ken Goodwin reports:

• UK
• Forest of Dean
• Gloucestershire

Police are investigating an attack on a group of horses in the Forest of Dean. Nine horses and ponies belonging to Kay Coleman and her daughter had their manes and tales cut, and their faces burnt.

The attack happened at the time of the summer solstice. It's thought the hair could have been stolen for a religious ritual but Kay thinks there may be a simpler explanation.

• UK
• horse
• attack

This very cute shot of two cygnets in the sunshine was snapped by West Country Tonight viewer, Alan Bowkett. If you're out and about in today's fine weather, do take a photo and send it to westcountry@itv.com or post it on our Facebook page. Many thanks!

• UK
• Forest of Dean
• Weather

Squatters removed this morning from a wilderness centre on the Forest of Dean said they left peacefully. Supt. Phil Haynes from Gloucestershire Police said:

Squatting is a civil matter but officers accompanied bailiffs acting on behalf of the judge to ensure there was no breach of the peace and no disruption to the local community. The operation went very smoothly and the protesters were escorted from the site in a calm and orderly manner

One police support unit consisting of 25 officers was deployed for the operation, with the priority being to have enough officers should any disorder arise. We have to plan for any eventuality and believe this was proportionate to ensure we were properly prepared. Our planning ensured the eviction ran smoothly and was over quickly so that officers could return to their other duties and the centre could be handed over to the council

• UK
• Forest of dean
• squatters

Squatters who had occupied outbuildings at the wilderness centre in the forest of dean were evicted this morning. They had been there for two months in protest at plans by Gloucestershire county council to sell the facility, which used to be used for outward bound type courses.

• UK
• Forest of dean
• squatters

A 17th century country house in the Forest of Dean has been devastated by fire.

It broke out late last night (Mon) at Newland House near Coleford. The house has been almost completely destroyed.

• UK
• Forest of dean
• Newland House

A video filmed by neighbour Karen James in Coleford shows the size of a fire at Newland House last night.

The country house has been severely damaged after the fire burned throughout the night.

• UK
• Fire
• Forest of dean

Newland House in Coleford in the Forest of Dean has sustained serious damage following a large fire last night.

It took 47 fire fighters working throughout the night to put out the fire out.

• UK
• Forest of dean
• Newland House