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The Forge Valley is a classic example of a glacial overflow channel. During the last ice age a proglacial lake (Lake Hackness) formed north of the present valley. Eventually the lake water found a low point on the valley side and started to cut the present valley. After the ice age the River Derwent ( Link ) found the valley the easiest route to follow. The sides of the valley are studded with springs due to Jurassic limestone overlying the Oxford Clay. Most of the valley is a nature reserve. There are several paths in the woods, including a rather fine boardwalk along the river.

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