Come Tell the Future Story of the Forest of Dean Have your say on the Forest's future – including potential UNESCO Biosphere designation. Over the next six weeks, we're inviting you to help shape the future of our Forest. 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? 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? 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: FODCAP 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. Y oung 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: Visit: www.wylderne.com Contact: Paul Pivcevic, 07968 472317 or Catherine Best, communications@fvaf.org.uk

READ MORE Frequently visited pages: COMMUNITY HUBS VOLUNTEER ADVICE YOUTH SUPPORT Ano ang FVAF? Ang FVAF ay kumakatawan sa Forest Voluntary Action Forum. Nag-aalok kami ng suporta sa mga lokal na mamamayan, mga grupo ng komunidad at mga aktibidad upang gawin ang mga bagay na pinakamahalaga sa kanila. Kabilang dito ang mga sumusunod: suporta at payo sa pag-unlad pagsasanay impormasyon mga pagpupulong sa networking nagpapadali sa representasyon boluntaryong pangangalap paglalagay ng boluntaryo at suporta Nagpapatakbo din kami ng maraming proyekto kasama at para sa lokal na komunidad, tulad ng Forest of Dean Youth Association, Holiday Activity Campaigns, The Forest Youth Music Network, The GEM Project, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels at marami pa. Tingnan ang aming pahina ng Mga Proyekto para sa buong detalye. "Pagbuo ng Mas Matibay na Komunidad sa ang kagubatan ng Dean" Alamin ang higit pa JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Get the latest community news and check out exciting volunteering opportunity in or around the Forest of Dean... Pumunta sa Facebook Useful publications: FREE directory of the many volunteering opportunities available locally... DOWNLOAD Ang aming mga Kasosyo We work with so many amazing and supportive partners. Find out more here... How to contact us Forest Voluntary Action Forum Ow Bist Forest Community Space Dockham Road Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN Email us: contact@fvaf.org.uk Tel: 01594 822073 Copyright © 2021 Forest Voluntary Action Forum. All Rights Reserved. Forest Voluntary Action Forum is a charity (1141126) and company limited by guarantee (07557852) registered in England and Wales. The registered address is The Belle Vue Centre, Cinderford, Glos, GL14 2AB. Travelling in the Forest of Dean Forest Of Dean Climate Action Partnership has created a handy interactive guide to travelling in the Forest of Dean. DOWNLOAD HERE

We crown our community heroes! The community turned out in force on Tuesday 3 October to see local volunteers crowned at our glittering Forest Volunteers Awards 2023 celebration at the AccXel Training Centre in Cinderford. READ THE NOMINEE PROFILES IN THE AWARDS PROGRAMME We created the Forest Volunteer Awards to recognise and celebrate the amazing efforts of local volunteers in the Forest of Dean and earlier this Summer, we asked you to nominate those volunteer heroes who have demonstrated exceptional and outstanding support to the local community over the past 12 months. We had an amazing response and received hundreds of nominations. Our expert community panel had the tough task of shortlisting the nominations and picking the winners. However,one category - Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion – was decided by a public vote withalmost 1,400 votes cast. The winners were crowned at a special evening, held at the stunning conference space at the impressive AccXel Training Centre, which was provided for free to FVAF by local construction company the KW Bell Group, who were the main sponsors of the event. Jando Greco, volunteer at St Stephens Church in Cinderford was crowned Volunteer of the Year – the People’s Champion following a public vote. A volunteer of over 12 years his nominator said: “We so appreciate him, he is such a thoughtful, caring person and will do anything for anyone – Jando is so worthy of receiving this award.” Young volunteers were celebrated with Ebony Powell, volunteer and fundraiser at Forest of Dean Dog Rescue crowned under 16 years old Young Volunteer of the Year for her caring and dedicated commitment caring for the rescue dogs, whilst in the 17 – 25 years old category, Daisy Hoole rewarded for her tireless hard work volunteering at C.A.N.D.I Youth Space. In the groups section, The George in Newnham was recognised as the New Voluntary Group of the Year for reopening the former café as a vibrant community space. Next up, was Sedbury Space who picked up the Grassroots Voluntary Group award in recognition of the fantastic efforts of the community to create a thriving, inclusive, welcoming hub. Fire safety education organisation SkillZONE was awarded the Community Organisation award for their responsive work with young people in the Forest, and a team of volunteers from EDF Energy picked up the Business in the Community Award for helping out at Camphill Village Trust in Lydney. Forest of Dean Dementia Action Alliance (FDDAA) sponsored the launch of a new Inclusion Award, with Cinderford Bowls Club scooping the top spot for making changes to the game and their grounds to make bowls accessible for everyone to enjoy. Our Volunteering Manager Deb Cook said “So much of what happens within our community is because of people who give their time and energy for free. We think that recognising the amazing efforts of volunteers and organisations is incredibly important which is why we have been so pleased by the reaction of the local people who have supported these awards by nominating and voting.” Deb added, “It has been an incredible evening and we are so lucky and proud of the strength of the amazing voluntary sector we have in the Forest.” Master of Ceremony for the Forest Volunteer Awards was Steve Knibbs, BBC Points West reporter who kept the guests entertained with his expert hosting skills. Award winners were announced by guest presenters; Mark Topping( Leader of Forest of Dean District Council), Emma Snell (Go Volunteer Glos), Penny Hulbert (FVAF Chair of Trustees), Jonathan Lane (Cabinet Member for Economy at FODDC), Kirsty Downie (John Lewis Partnership & Waitrose - Monmouth), and Andrea Harman (Ecophon). The celebration evening was made possible thanks to generous sponsorship for the following local organisations: KW Bell Group and AccXel Training Centre – main sponsors Ecophon Simplicity in Business Steve Gooch Estate Agents Waitrose & Partners (Monmouth Store) FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS 2023: Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion WINNER: Jando Greco – St Stephens Church, Cinderford Highly Commended: Chris Brain (Broadwell Football Club), Melanie Getgood (Friends of Worcester Walk), Edna Husbands (Lydcare Community Transport), Barbara Jenkins (Over 60’s Group at Berryhill Memorial Hut), Albert Weager (community representative & advocate for better healthcare) and Dave Young (Forest Sensory Services and Samaritans). New Voluntary Group of the Year WINNER: The George, Newnham Highly Commended: Lydney Army Cadets Young Volunteer of the Year 16yrs & under WINNER: Ebony Powell – Forest of Dean Dog Rescue Highly Commended: Evie Harris - community volunteer and Teens in Crisis fundraiser Young Volunteer of the Year 17 – 25yrs WINNER: Daisy Hoole – C.A.N.D.I Youth Space Highly Commended: Leanne Hendrix – Coleford Youth Club Grassroots Voluntary Group of the Year WINNER: Sedbury Space Highly Commended: Forest Community Shed Community Organisation of the Year WINNER: SkillZone Highly Commended: Forest of Dean District Scouts Business in the Community Award WINNER: EDF Energy Highly Commended: The Rising Sun Community Pub FoD Dementia Action Alliance Inclusion Award WINNER: Cinderford Bowls Club Highly Commended: Artspace Cinderford END For media enquires contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073.

Pagboluntaryo Bilang Volunteer center para sa Forest of Dean narito kami para tulungan kang mag-recruit at mamahala ng mga boluntaryo Ang aming bagong Volunteering booklet na puno ng mga detalye ng lokal na pagboboluntaryo ang mga pagkakataon ay lumabas ngayon CLICK TO DOWNLOAD Bilang Volunteer Center para sa Kagubatan ng Dean madalas kami ang unang punto ng pakikipag-ugnayan para sa sinumang interesadong magboluntaryo. Noong nakaraang taon, ipinagmamalaki naming suportahan ang mahigit 100,000 oras na halaga ng pagboboluntaryo sa lugar! Ang FVAF ay nagpo-promote at nag-a-advertise ng malawak na hanay ng mga pagkakataon sa pagboboluntaryo mula sa mga organisasyon na kapareho ng aming etos sa pagsuporta sa mga boluntaryo at pagkilala sa malawak na hanay ng mga dahilan kung bakit pinipili ng mga tao na magboluntaryo. Bakit Volunteer? Ang pagboluntaryo ay may maraming malalaking benepisyo, hindi lamang para sa iyo nang indibidwal, ngunit para sa iyong komunidad at sa mundong ating ginagalawan. Kung nais mong pagandahin ang iyong CV, makakilala ng mga bagong tao, gamitin ang iyong mga kasanayan sa mabuting paraan, matuto ng bago, ituloy ang isang interes, mag-alok ng karanasan o simpleng gumawa ng pagbabago, garantisadong magkakaroon kami ng pagkakataon para sa iyo! Maaari mong malaman ang tungkol sa mga pagkakataong ito sa mga sumusunod na paraan: Maghanap ng mga pagkakataon sa Do-it.org Tawagan kami sa 01594 822073 Makipag-ugnayan sa pamamagitan ng email Bisitahin kami sa FVAF Mon - Biy 9:00 - 1:00 ( Direksyon ) Kung naghahanap ka na magboluntaryo bilang bahagi ng isang malaking grupo, halimbawa bilang bahagi ng corporate volunteering, kung gayon mayroon din kaming malawak na hanay ng mga pagkakataong mapagpipilian. Get the latest volunteer opportunities - direct to your mailbox! Sign up to receive our regular email Volunteer Newsletter: SIGN UP HELP FOR GROUPS - recruiting & managing volunteers As a one-stop-shop for all things volunteering, we can help you find, and keep, the perfect volunteer: Bilang isang one-stop-shop para sa lahat ng bagay na pagboboluntaryo, gumagamit kami ng isang multi-faceted na pamamaraan upang mabigyan ka ng pinakamahusay na posibleng pagkakataon na mag-recruit at mapanatili ang mahahalagang boluntaryo. Kabilang dito ang mga sumusunod: Pag-advertise ng iyong mga pagkakataon sa Do-it.org Pag-promote ng iyong mga pagkakataon sa mga miyembro ng publiko na tinukoy sa amin o sa pamamagitan ng aming drop-in function. Pag-advertise ng iyong mga pagkakataon sa aming mga pahina sa Facebook at Twitter Pag-promote ng iyong mga pagkakataon sa mga lokal na serbisyo na sumusuporta sa pagboboluntaryo hal. Job Center, LearnDirect at 2GetherTrust Pag-advertise ng iyong mga pagkakataon sa mahigit 30 kaganapan bawat taon Pagpapadala ng iyong mga pagkakataon sa mga lokal na negosyo na nag-aalok ng pagboboluntaryong suportado ng employer Pagsusulong ng mga kaugnay na pagkakataon sa Mga Paaralan, Kolehiyo at Unibersidad Pamamahagi ng iyong mga pagkakataon sa aming boluntaryong database ng higit sa 1,000 katao Pagpo-promote ng iyong mga pagkakataon sa iba't ibang network, kabilang ang Know Your Patch Get in touch - call us on 01594 822073, via email or visit us at FVAF, Ow Bist - Forest Community Space, Dockham Road, Cinderford GL14 2AN (Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm)

Tungkol sa FVAF Tungkol sa FVAF Ang aming Kwento Kami ang Voluntary Service Council at Volunteer Center para sa Forest of Dean. Nagbibigay kami ng tulong sa marami sa daan-daang boluntaryo at mga organisasyong pangkomunidad sa Distrito na siya namang mas mahusay na makapaghatid ng kanilang gawain sa at para sa lokal na komunidad. Mula nang nabuo noong 1994, nakabuo kami ng isang reputasyon para sa paghikayat, pagtanggap at pagpapahusay ng pagkilos ng komunidad sa buong Forest of Dean. Naniniwala kami na sa pamamagitan ng mga pamamaraang pinangungunahan ng komunidad ay binibigyang-daan namin ang mga mamamayan na bumuo ng mga kasanayan, katatagan at kapital sa lipunan upang mamuhay nang mas masaya, mas konektadong buhay. Mga Serbisyo sa Opisina Staff at Trustees Mga patakaran Accessibility at Sustainability

Our team transforms Local Spaces during Volunteers Week 2025 We rolled up our sleeves this week and got stuck in with some fantastic Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) as part of Volunteers Week 2025! We got out about in the local community to two fantastic local community groups: Team Paint Squad grabbed their brushes and got stuck in with smiles on their faces (and paint on their clothes!) to transform the Forest Fighting Fit studio with a fresh coat of paint - brightening up their space, recovery room, and bathrooms. Team Green Fingers headed down to Steam Mills to work their magic at the community garden for Cinderford Grows. Armed with gloves, tools, and plenty of enthusiasm, our team tackled overgrown areas, cleared stubborn weeds, and gave the pathway a beautiful fresh layer of wood chippings. Deb Cook, FVAF's Volunteering Manager said: "We all had a blast and were reminded that volunteering can be both rewarding and great fun!" A huge thank you to Forest Fighting Fit and Cinderford Grows for welcoming us with open arms.

welcoming & vibrant community hub - for hire Since taking on the 25 year lease of the former Dockham Road GP surgery, we have been working at a pace to create a welcoming and vibrant community hub that offers wrap-around support and improves access to community services. To date we have transformed the building's exterior with wooden cladding, resprayed windows and doors, and a new sign. Inside, we have created of a flexible training and events space , along with permanent office space for support agencies and community organisations. Thanks to funding from Cinderford Town Council, Ow Bist now features a Changing Places toilet to ensure accessibility for the entire community. Travelling in the Forest of Dean Forest Of Dean Climate Action Partnership has created a handy interactive guide to travelling in the Forest of Dean. DOWNLOAD HERE What to find out more? Interested in hiring the space? Contact us at contact@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073 The whole team loved the space you have at Ow Bist, but also really valued the partnership approach. Hirer at Ow Bist

COMING SOON! Universal Youth Services We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership to bring Open Access Universal Youth Services to Gloucester and the Forest of Dean! Together with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and The Venture Community Hub (TVCH), we’ve joined forces to make a real difference in the lives of young people. Guided by GGT, in the Forest of Dean FVAF will be leading on supporting a wide range of services for young people aged 11 to 19 (or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities). Our youth services will be available to everyone, focusing on the needs of the local community to create a more connected, supported, and engaging youth sector. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to be part of something amazing! FIND OUT MORE ABOUT... Gloucestershire Gateway Trust The Venture Community Hub

Recovery & Wellbeing Café “A Community Created Curriculum of Curious Conversations” Weekly Face-to-Face Discussions & Recovery Educational Sessions Each Wednesday (Term Time) at Café 16 in Coleford from 6-8pm. “A safe space to create who you are, not be told what to think.” Join conversations with a diverse range of people with professional & lived experience of different subjects, local people who have gained understandings about the impact current concerns have upon mental health, recovery and wellbeing. We are building a supportive space where, as critical friends, we can learn together and support each other with our individual understandings. All curious & compassionate folk welcome.

We Celebrate our Outstanding Volunteers! Winners crowned at annual Forest Volunteer Awards event... The Forest of Dean's most dedicated volunteers took centre stage this week at our annual Forest Volunteer Awards, held on Tuesday 2 September at the AccXel Construction School in Cinderford! People's Champion Takes Top Honours Ian Gower claimed the evening's most coveted award – Volunteer of the Year (People's Champion) – following a public vote that attracted over 3,500 participants. Ian's tireless work spans multiple organisations including CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Club, and Scarr Bandstand, where he inspires young people through STEM education, drawing on his engineering background with Rolls Royce. Community Groups Recognised for Vital Work Several local organisations received recognition for their outstanding community contributions. The Salvation Army Community Hub in Coleford won Community Organisation of the Year for providing comprehensive support services including food assistance and domestic violence support. The Sharing Kitchen in Newent claimed the Grassroots Voluntary Group award, having transformed from a winter soup kitchen into a thriving community hub since launching in November 2024. Meanwhile, Music for Memories received the FoD Dementia Action Alliance Accessibility & Inclusion Award for positively impacting nearly 200 lives through personalised music therapy. We Rewarded Resilience Brockweir Village Shop and Café earned our ESV Business in the Community Award, demonstrating remarkable resilience after rebuilding following devastating fire damage in 2023. Volunteers worked tirelessly through an 18-month reconstruction to reopen the vital community facility. We Recognised Environmental Action Our newly introduced Community Climate Action Award went to the Save the Wye Campaign, recognising the group's creative activism in bringing national attention to the environmental crisis facing the River Wye. We Celebrated Future Leaders and Lifetime Achievement Our ceremony highlighted emerging community leaders, with Moss Thornton taking home our Young Volunteer of the Year honours for outstanding work as a Youth Expert and Youth Worker with Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust and Forest Pulse. Albert Weager received our Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 for his decades of community service as a representative and advocate for improved healthcare in the Forest of Dean. Celebrating Community Spirit "So much of what happens within our community is because of people who give their time and energy for free," said Deb Cook, Volunteering Manager at FVAF. "We're so proud to host this event and make a massive fuss about the incredible work that goes on in groups and organisations large and small. The work carried out by these volunteers is absolutely crucial to so many." Hosted by Steve Knibbs (BBC News Presenter) and Les Love (Dean Radio), our award winners were announced by guest presenters; Simon Murray (Vice chair, trustee of FVAF and chair of the Forest of Dean branch of CPRE), Cllr Jackie Dale, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities FoDDC, Piers Cardiff (new Co-ordinator of FoDCAP), Tyler Josh Carpenter (volunteer at SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association) AND winner of last year’s Forest Young Volunteer of the Year), Dame Janet Trotter (DBE CVO), Nick Penny (FVAF Programme Manager). The celebration evening was made possible through generous sponsorship from local organisations, KW Bell Group and AccXel Construction Centre , Cinderhill Farm , Float in the Forest , Forest of Dean Climate Action Partnership (FODCAP) , Forest of Dean District Council , Mid Counties Co-operative and Pedalabikeaway . We received hundreds of nominations following their summer call for submissions, with an expert panel handling the challenging task of shortlisting candidates across all categories. FOREST VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS 2025: Volunteer of the Year – Peoples’ Champion WINNER: Ian Gower: CANDI, Mitcheldean Youth Club, Scarr Bandstand Highly Commended: Carol Austin: Sedbury Space Laura Dovey: Taurus Crafts Annie George: Forest Exchange Glynis Halling: The Victoria Centre, Lydney Dial-a-Ride, Dr Charley's Lunch Club Julie Holder: Packed with Love Young Volunteer of the Year 21yrs & under WINNER: Moss Thornton: Youth Expert and Youth Worker with Gloucestershire Health and Care Trust and Forest Pulse Highly Commended: Chloe Watts - Her Game Too and Bristol Rovers Women Ambassador Community Organisation of the Year WINNER: Salvation Army Community Hub Highly Commended: Forest of Dean Writers Collection Project and Dean Green Team Grassroots Group of the Year WINNER: The Sharing Kitchen Highly Commended: Cinderford Town FC (Youth Team)  Forest Wombles Business in the Community Award WINNER: Brockweir Village Shop & Cafe Highly Commended: Dean Forest Food Hub FoD Dementia Action Alliance Accessibility & Inclusion Award WINNER: Music for Memories Highly Commended: Skillzone – Preparation for Adulthood Community Climate Action Award (sponsored by FoDCAP) WINNER: Save the Wye Campaign Highly Commended: Yorkley Village Garden Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 – Albert Weager - community representative and advocate for better healthcare in the Forest of Dean For media enquires contact communications@fvaf.org.uk or 01594 822073. END - Notes to editor: Established in 1994, Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) is the Voluntary Service Council and Volunteer Centre for the Forest of Dean The charity offers support to local citizens, community groups and activities including support and development advice, training, networking meetings, facilitating representation, volunteer recruitment, volunteer placement and support In addition, FVAF delivers projects with and for the local community, including Forest of Dean Youth Association, Holiday, Activities and Food Programme, The Forest Compass Directory, Walking with Wheels FVAF receives some financial support from the Forest of Dean District Council and funds activities through external funding opportunities Head office - Forest Voluntary Action Forum, Ow Bist – Forest Community Space, Dockham Road, Cinderford , Glos. GL14 2AN.