A HIDDEN camera could be used in a bid to reveal the identities of youngsters who have twice defaced the famous Forest of Dean geomap at New Fancy, near Parkend.

But first members of the public, particularly birdwatchers and walkers who regularly visit the former colliery site, are being asked to keep a weather eye on the unique sculpture which was made by David Yeates.

It is a map of the Forest and surrounding areas made in stone to form an accurate geological picture. Coal mines and quarries are represented by numbered discs.

Forest of Dean Local History Society chairman Simon Moore said this week that anyone found defacing the map would be prosecuted.

"The map attracts hundreds of visitors. It is an informative and valuable asset to the Forest and we are determined to catch whoever was responsible for the two incidents. The police and Forestry Commission have been informed and patrols have been stepped up," he said.

Mr Moore said that Liz and David Berry, of Lydbrook, guiding lights in steering the project to fruition, had spent many hours removing graffiti from the map.

Mr Moore added: "It is in excellent order now and we want it to stay that way. Should there be more problems we will consider alternative measures such as a camera. Meanwhile I would ask members of the public to keep an eye on the map and immediately report any incidents of damage to the police."

The geomap was made possible as a result of a grant from Natural England to the History Society who worked in partnership with the Forestry Commission, Gloucestershire Geology Trust, Coleford MCTI Partnership and the Forest of Dean District Council.