IN A CEREMONY that dates back more than 700 years of Forest of Dean history, Rich Daniels, a freeminer, was appointed as a new Verderer.

The Verderers’ election, to replace the late Ray Wright, took place at Gloucester Cathedral for only the second time in seven centuries.

The four verderers are the Queen’s representatives for the statutory Forest of Dean and are are responsible for all the ‘vert and venison’ it contains.

A show of hands between the three candidates decreed that Rich Daniels was duly elected to the position of Verderer over Spencer Thomas and Malcolm Walker.

Mr Daniels told the assembled of more than 500 people that he passionately believes that the Forest and its community are inextricably linked.

Mr Daniels, after accepting the oath of office said that he has made a commitment to steadfastly carry out the role as verderer as he not afraid to stand for the protection and care of the Forest.

He said that the challenges to our Forest are no less and perhaps more than, those of the past.

Full story in The Forester published on February 22.