UNESCO Biosphere bid to secure lasting legacy for the Forest of Dean

Over the last five years the project has gone through many stages to get to this point, including a public survey, community engagement and research programmes, public meetings, multi-agency working groups, and public forums.  

The UNESCO Biosphere application, which has already secured funding through the Government backed UK Shared Prosperity Fund, has received support from local businesses, community groups, educational institutions, environment agencies, and local government bodies, including Gloucestershire County Council.  

We welcome public engagement and feedback, and our biosphere website www.fdean.gov.uk/biosphere is updated regularly. The Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ’s) section is particularly useful, providing clear information on a wide range of common questions.  

Forest of Dean District Council Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Cllr Chris McFarling said:  

“We want to create a lasting legacy for the area which celebrates the uniqueness of our district, protects our natural environment, and helps our communities to thrive.  

“Biospheres provide a positive platform for innovation and long-term wellbeing. They combine environmental protection with community and economic development through new green and sustainable streams of funding and investment.  

“Securing UNESCO Biosphere status for the Forest of Dean would help strengthen our local economy, create a wide range of opportunities and benefits for local residents and businesses, and especially protect our ancient traditions such as Freemining, Verderering, and Commoning.  

“With local government restructure approaching, this also provides an opportunity to ensure the Forest of Dean’s cultural uniqueness, traditional heritage, and diverse natural environment can continue to be recognised and protected for future generations.  

“We are continuing to work with residents of all ages, from schools and youth groups to long-established community organisations, to ensure the biosphere reflects the identity, heritage and future aspirations of the Forest of Dean.”  

Biosphere designation does not introduce new planning powers, change land ownership, or remove public access to the forest. Historic rights, including Freemining, would remain unchanged. Decisions about the area would continue to be made locally through partnerships involving the Foresters, Freeminers, Commoners, and Verderers, councils, land managers, businesses, community groups, and environmental organisations.  

UNESCO biospheres are internationally recognised places renowned for their outstanding natural environments and rich biodiversity, where people and nature thrive together while supporting sustainable economic development.  

If the application is successful, the Forest of Dean will join a select group of nationally recognised landscapes in becoming only the eighth designated UNESCO biosphere in the UK.