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Residents across the Forest of Dean are being urged to check their voter registration details now to ensure they are ready to vote in the May 2027 elections. 

Gloucestershire's new single council will be called Gloucestershire Council, the Government has confirmed – marking another defining moment in the reorganisation of councils in the county. 

Forest of Dean District Council is delighted to be working alongside Historic England to strengthen the protection of the district’s historic environment through the use of a new Conservation Hub.

The following statement is from the Leader of Forest of Dean District Council, Cllr Adrian Birch in response to the Government decision to create a single unitary council for Gloucestershire.

Statement issued on behalf of Cheltenham Borough Council, Cotswold District Council, Forest of Dean District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucester City Council, Stroud District Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council.

Forest of Dean District Council is thanking residents for their generosity after waste and recycling crews have been receiving offers of cold drinks and ice lollies while working through the recent extreme temperatures.

Forest of Dean District Council has voted to revise its current Local Plan making approach and begin preparing a new plan using the Government’s new ‘gateway’ process, as a result of national government timetabling constraints, significant resident feedback and the need to update and progress the supporting technical evidence base. 

At its Full Council meeting on Thursday 21 May, Forest of Dean District Council considered a motion at Full Council relating to the proposed UNESCO Biosphere designation and agreed to extend the consultation process before making an application to UNESCO. The decision will enable a further six months of engagement with residents, community groups, landowners and other interested parties, ensuring people have more time to understand the proposal and share their views.

Forest of Dean District Council has opened applications for its 2026/2027 Community Grants Fund, inviting not-for-profit voluntary and community groups to apply for financial support that strengthens local connections and empowers residents across the district. 

Residents will soon see the new community facility at Five Acres begin to take shape, with construction work now officially underway on phase one of the project. 

The Forest of Dean District is continuing its journey towards becoming the UK’s eighth designated UNESCO Biosphere - a positive step focused on celebrating the area’s people, place, and proud working landscape.

Residents and motorists are being asked to help protect the natural beauty of the Forest of Dean, as the district council highlights the growing problem of litter along roadsides and verges.