Forest of Dean areas but the focus has been to capitalise on the scenery and to create jobs from tourist attractions and the leisure sector. Significant numbers of residents work outside the area, commuting to Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bristol, Newport and Cardiff. For hundreds of years, mining in the Forest of Dean Coalfield has been regulated through a system of freemining. This, and other forms of self-governance, coupled with the Forest's geographic isolation between the rivers Severn and Wye, has given rise to a strong sense of cultural identity in those from the area, who are collectively known as 'Foresters'. The ancient rights were
Forest Preserve District of Will County campsites, canoe/kayak/boat launches, fishing access, ice skating ponds, playgrounds, and sled hills. The Forest Preserve District also operates three off-leash dog parks, which require a permit for use. Nature preserves are not the only protected areas in Will County. Channahon State Park and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie are examples of state and federal parks, respectively. Channahon lies along the Illinois and Michigan Canal and is connected to the county and national trails in the area. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is located near Elwood, Illinois. The Forest Preserve District of Will County owns or manages more than of trails for biking,