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Forest of Dean residents choosing a real Christmas tree this year will once again be able to have it collected from the kerbside once the festivities are over.

Residents, businesses, and organisations across the district are urged to give their thoughts on Forest of Dean District Council’s spending plans, with a consultation for the budget for the next financial year beginning 19 December 2026 and running until 16 January 2026.   

Over 90 Armed Forces veterans, serving personnel and family members recently attended the first Armed Forces Support Network 'HIVE’ community event at Bream Sports Club, bringing together vital services and support for the community across the Forest of Dean. 

Work continues behind the scenes at Five Acres, with planning approval now granted for the external facilities at the site, including the 3G pitch and associated lighting. 

Forest of Dean District Council is proud to stand alongside the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) in supporting the international 16 Days of Action campaign, a global initiative that raises awareness of domestic abuse and gender‑based violence.

At last night’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, 27 November 2025, members considered the findings and recommendations from the cross-party Task and Finish Group established to review the September Council Tax and Business Rates direct debit incident, in which thousands of residents were charged twice. 

Forest of Dean District Council has confirmed that it does not support the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) currently being proposed for Gloucestershire. The decision was debated by Full Council on 19 November and confirmed by Cabinet on 20 November. 

Residents across the Forest of Dean are being encouraged to celebrate their local high streets - and be in with a chance of winning up to £100 to spend in local shops. A new competition invites shoppers to support nearby businesses, discover hidden gems, and show off their purchases, all while helping Forest towns thrive in the run-up to Christmas.

Full Council has agreed to adopt a new preferred option for the revised Local Plan. The plan identifies the district’s principal settlements as the focus for future growth and makes provision for the potential establishment of up to two new settlements, subject to further assessment and consultation.   

Forest of Dean District Council’s street wardens were honoured at the annual RSPCA PawPrints Awards, scooping a platinum for Stray Dog Services and a bronze for Contingency Planning.   

Forest of Dean District councillors have agreed to act on recommendations put forward in a new citizen visioning plan developed by Coleford residents. As a result, the council will now take steps to fulfil the plan’s recommendations in partnership with others, which include improving local employment opportunities, increasing social interaction across all generations and maximising community spaces.

The Snigs End Conservation Area, located within the parishes of Staunton and Corse, has been added to Historic England’s 2025 Heritage at Risk Register - a move taken by the council as a proactive step towards protecting and enhancing the area’s historic character.