Well worth a visit and bursting with Forest Heritage, Clearwell Caves were first opened to the public in 1968 when Ray Wright began opening the caverns to visitors. Ray’s son Jonathan was registered as a Freeminer in 1981 and joined Ray full time in 1984.
Jonathan studied for his M&Q Mine Deputy Certificate on the last mining course held at Cinderford Mining and Technical College, between 1986/7. Jonathan is now President of the Royal Forest of Dean Freeminers Association https://www.forestfreeminers.org/ and continues production of ochre pigments for artists. Today he manages Clearwell Caves with his artist wife, Heather.
Clearwell Caves are a tribute to Ray and Jonathan’s deep knowledge of the Forest of Dean, it’s history and culture. At Clearwell Caves you explore impressive caverns opened to the public, with displays throughout, and revealing the Cave’s long history from the Stone Age to the present day. Although large scale iron ore mining finished in 1945. Clearwell Caves still produces ochre today, making them an important part of the Forest of Dean’s continuing story.