Geograph - photograph every grid square

This is a free mine that is still worked in the winter. In the summer one of the old worked out sections is used as a museum. The narrow gauge line goes down the drift into the mine and the haulage rope is seen. The device on the right allows coal to be tipped out of the tubs/drams. This is a typical small scale mine as found in the forest. The seam is about 30 " thick and worked longwall with undercutting by a pneumatic pick. The two miners have to work on their backs or sides. On the plus side, the mines in the Forest of Dean are free of methane (firedamp) but carbon dioxide (choke damp) is a real danger.