Deep Roots, Dark Earth: Freemining in the Forest of Dean

For centuries, freeminers have held the right to mine coal anywhere within the Forest of Dean. To become a freeminer, one must be over 21, born within the hundred of St Briavels, and have worked underground for a year and a day.

Today, Forestry England administers the mining tradition, with only a few freeminers still venturing underground in search of the elusive ‘black gold,’ helping to keep this unique heritage alive.

This short documentary offers a rare glimpse into the lives of those most connected to this fascinating practice. Through their eyes, we explore the dark depths beneath the ancient forest floor and uncover an enduring way of life.

End photograph: James Moverley

[paulbaverstock]

Mike sadly passed away a few days after this film was completed, Mike and Phil and two other miners were working as usual deep underground at wallsend colliery when Mike sadly had a heart attack, the valiant efforts of those miners with him tried I vain for around 20 minutes but Mike was sadly gone, safe to say Mike passed away in his happy place in wallsend colliery.
All of us here still working at wallsend etc is because of mike, he took us under his wing and has trained us in the techniques of freeming and freemining is in a much healthier position because of mike, he was our Gaffer, mentor and friend.
As mining here in the forest of dean is quite active we also have our mines rescue team, it was our task to recover Mike and return him to the surface.
Mike will be sadly missed by us all and many others.

Rest in peace Gaffer.

[jackking]

As an ex-Northumbrian coal miner this film is priceless. I always did wonder what the Forest of Dean coal mines looked like - this film gives a great insight into them. Our own North East deep mines were very very different!
I hope the tradition continues. For anyone wondering: Our coal mines did not run out of coal. The decision to close them was purely political. Indeed, several North East mines were very very close to accessing vast untapped reserves that would have ensured hundereds of years of coal was available.

[nickhodgsonphoto]

A beautiful film and a poignant tribute to Mike.

[chezleggatt]

What an informative film. So sorry to hear Mike passed away, at least he wasn't on the lounge watching Gogglebox and was doing what he enjoyed. Lovely to think that he will live on in this film for generations to come x

[Forestfella]

Miss you Mike, such a lovely piece of film to remember you by.

[GateKommand]

As an ex Yorkshire miner it is nice to know that Margaret THATCHER didn't close all the pits (coal mines). What an interesting vid!

[mynameisbob-]

Great film about some amazing men. Great respect for people like these that continue to graft preserving a way of life. Condolences to Daniel and Mike's colleagues.

[adrianbew]

I went underground with a freeminer about 10 years ago. I'm an ex cornish tin miner used to far greater depths and larger tunnels so it was interesting to see how he coped with the tight conditions and the difficulty of extracting the coal from narrow seams. Was amazed at the improvement of portable lighting from my day when we wore lead acid batteries around our waste that irritated and began to hurt after 8 hrs of constant wear. I admire what the freeminers do and keep a tradition and legal right alive more than actually make huge money from their efforts. Long may they continue and hopefully younger generations will become interested as well.

[DazO]

Great film, I was not expecting the ending, sorry to hear about your Dad Daniel. God bless you

[PusongPinoywithMalcolmConlan]

This was such a lovely tribute to Mike. To be honest, i couldn’t visualise what the mine was like and Mike’s involvement there, so this was a great way of showing free mining to the world.

Rest in peace Mike. 🙏🙏🙏

[rossendalecollieries]

Really enjoyed this, wonderful filming and touching, sad to learn at the end that Mike had passed away. to see those two old comrades still working together aged 75 was so touching

[neiljones]

Facinating film and an excellent tribute to Mike.

[wesleybrown]

That’s a nice film, thanks for sharing.
Sad to hear Mike has since passed away.
A poignant tribute

[juliamadelin]

It is a wonderful area. Visited one of the mines s few years ago. Love this sort of history.

[ElaineHighfield]

A very informative film that showcases what Mike loved so much. A fitting legacy for the family to remember special times with a much loved man.

[forestofdean.online]

Loved this film! Great characters, great story! Long may Free mining continue.

[samtibbles]

What a cracking video. Keep the coal going pass it on to the next generation. Coal is King

[nickoteen]

Just clicked on this film that popped up on U tube. Totally absorbing, real men doing a real job, and with a birthright and history to boot. Independent, free and dignified. Was not expecting the caption at the end! RIP Sir.

[farmboypresents]

Great little document . Beautifully rendered. Thanks

[egpvomj]

Fabulous history and tradition that I hope will have a successful future. Heroic gentlemen.
Thankyou