LIKE all good Scouts and Guides your Review is operating a 'BE PREPARED' policy.

In readiness for the Forest of Dean foot and mouth all-clear we have decided to jump the gun and issue a special consignment of the fabled FERN TICKET.

In one form or another the FERN TICKET has been around since Victorian times.

It has been sold to raise funds for loads of good causes, and issued in recognition of the re-opening of parts of the Forest such as those areas out of bounds for the storage of high explosives during the Second World War.

We anticipate the woods re-opening next month and so that the young at heart can examine the bluebells at close quarters or check on what is making the earth move on a bank of bracken it is important to have the necessary paperwork.

Once the woods are re-opened and you are free to roam where you will, it is essential to have a FERN TICKET to cover all contingencies.

Armed with one of our little tickets you can refuse to give a blood sample to white-coated MAFF officials wandering in the woods. And, beware ... if you find yourself being chased by a Forest Enterprise ranger it is only because he wants to get his hands on your ticket!

Get yours from any Review Ad-Centre or drop by our main office in Lydney to pick one up. You may also find some in local pubs who advertise in the Review.

Remember ... always carry one in your pocket. You never know!