"This large forest has a thick canopy overhead, making its interior as dark as twilight on the brightest days.  Visitors report an aura of doom within its confines, and speak of sentient trees that actively resist the progressive decline of the woodlands.  Large numbers of druids live in the forest; they are unfriendly to visitors, especially loggers.  The southern portions enfold the small settlements of Spearsmouth Dale and Mettledale.  Wandering Theskian orcs occasionally forage into the southern reach of the woodland."1

1) D&D "Forgotten Realms" Campaign Setting, WotC, Reynolds, Greenwood, Williams, Heinsoo, p. 201