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Come Tell the Future Story of the Forest of Dean

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

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Over the next six weeks, we're inviting you to help shape the future of our Forest.

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Together with Wylderne, the new community stewards of the Wilderness Centre in Mitcheldean, we've been commissioned by Forest of Dean District Council to lead an exciting conversation across our community about what comes next for this special place we call home.

 

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 throughout January and February:

January dates:

  • 22 Jan, 11am-2pm:Chillout Zone, 36 Broad St, Newent GL18 1AJ

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

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

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

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

February dates:

  • 2 Feb, 10am-1pm: Ow Bist, Dockham Rd, Cinderford GL14 2AN

  • 3 Feb, 11am-1pm: Sedbury Space,11 King Alfreds Rd, Sedbury, Chepstow NP16 7AG

  • 3 Feb, 5:30- 7:30pm: LBTQ+ Workshop - Coleford, Old Station Way, Coleford GL16 8RHL

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

  • 10 Feb, 11am-2pm: FOD CAP Workshop -Ow Bist, Dockham Rd, Cinderford GL14 2AN, 

  • 16 Feb, 10am-1pm: Ow Bist, Dockham Rd, Cinderford GL14 2AN

  • 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

 

Special event for Town & Parish Councillors

7 February at the Wilderness Centre, Mitcheldean

 

Can't make it in person?

Join the conversation online:

  • AI-moderated video chat rooms – for those who prefer face-to-face conversation

  • Text-based discussion platform – make and vote on comments at your own pace

 

Visit www.wylderne.com for links and 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 has championed the biosphere idea, says: "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. This will nurture interest from Forest folk as well as visitors, increase local pride of place amongst residents, and attract a welcome uptick in the hospitality economy."

 

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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