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Share Your Vision for the Forest of Dean – New Online Ways to Join the Conversation

Have your say on the Forest's future – including potential UNESCO Biosphere designation.

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Residents across the Forest of Dean can now take part in shaping the area's future, from the comfort of their own home, with new online platforms that have just launched as part of a major community engagement project.

 

Forest of Dean District Council has commissioned Wylderne to explore what the future could look like for this distinctive working Forest – including the possibility of UNESCO Biosphere designation – and everyone is invited to have their say.

 

We've been supporting Wylderne with reaching the community and we're excited to launch 2 new digital opportunities to make it easier for everyone to contribute.

 

Open to the whole community, residents can join facilitated video discussions  in AI-Moderated Video Chat Rooms. A text-Based conversation platform is also being used to allow people to share thoughts and ideas through online discussion forums

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AI-Moderated Video Chat Room - sign up HERE

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Text Based conversation - take part HERE 

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What's it all about?

Our unique landscape has created a remarkable history and culture. But what will be the next chapter for this working Forest? What could a future look like that's rooted in our beautiful landscape and the stories that have forged our local identity?

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As part of these conversations, we'll also explore whether becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve could help bring out the potential we know is here. A Biosphere is a place where communities learn how to protect biodiversity AND develop sustainably – finding local solutions to global challenges. But this is a genuine conversation about possibilities, not a done deal.

 

We want to hear from YOU

We're using an innovative approach that starts by asking what you value and treasure about the Forest. What stories make you proud? What are our strengths? What would you like to see in our future?

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Drop in and chat with us

We're coming to a venue near you:

February dates:​

  • 19 Feb, 11:30am-1:30pm:Chillout Zone, 36 Broad St, Newent GL18 1AJ

  • 23 Feb: Cinderford, Hilltops Family Centre, 9-10am

  • 23 Feb: 11am-2pm: Café Sixteen, 16 Bank St, Coleford GL16 8BA

  • 25 Feb: 10am-12pm: The Victoria Centre,  5 Victoria Road, Lydney GL15 5DG

  • 26 Feb: 11:30am-1:30pm:The Swan Community Hub, Ledbury Rd, Staunton GL19 3QA

  • 27 Feb, 9-10am: Hilltops Family Centre, Latimer Road, Cinderford GL14 2QA

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Visit https://www.fdean.gov.uk/forest-of-dean-s-unesco-biosphere-bid or https://www.wylderne.com/ for more information.

 

Young people

Special sessions are happening at youth groups across the Forest including Ruardean, Blakeney, and others.

 

What is a UNESCO Biosphere?

There are 759 Biosphere Reserves in 136 countries, with 7 already in the UK (including North Devon, Isle of Wight, and Dyfi in Wales). They're places for innovation – where communities work out how human beings and nature can live side by side so both can thrive.

 

Cllr Chris McFarling, who represents Sedbury and St Briavels on Forest of Dean District Council, said: "A business as usual approach has seen continued declines in species, increased development, and increased pollution of our rivers. Becoming a Biosphere will tell the international community that there is something special and unique about the natural environment and the culture of the people of the Dean."

 

Get involved

Your insights will help shape a report that will be completed in early March 2026, feeding into the potential Biosphere application and helping guide our Forest's future direction.

 

For more information:

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