At 290 metres high Ruardean hill is the highest point of the  Forest  of Dean with views to the north over the Forest. At the top of the hill is Pan Tod Beacon(the official beacon for the Forest),a flagpole,2 miners memorials and a Tapograph showing as far as the Welsh mountains.No one really knows the origin of the name but when Forest of Dean coal pits were prevalent  there was a pit where the flagpole stands now which was owned by a  William Tod.

  

 

Pan Tod is an area on Ruardean Hill and is the highest point of the FOD with amazing views. It houses a flag pole, National Beacon, miners memorials and wild flower area with over 80 species of wild flowers and a wildlife pond. It is a community space which provides free access for many community groups as well as local people and visitors to the area. The friends of Pan Tod maintain this area for the community.