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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.

Forest of Dean District Council continues its work with residents, businesses and partners including Gloucestershire County Council with the aim of becoming the UK’s 8th designated biosphere. 

Halloween may be a time for spooky fun, but one of the scariest parts of the season is the amount of waste it generates - particularly from pumpkins. Each year in the UK, an estimated 12 million pumpkins are grown, bought, carved, and then thrown away. 

Forest of Dean District Council has welcomed the findings from the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review, which recognised the significant progress the council has made in delivering its improvement plan and building on the recommendations made during the original 2024 Peer Challenge. 

Residents of the Forest of Dean now have access to a new, flexible transport option in Coleford thanks to a 12-month electric vehicle (EV) car club pilot, led by Forest of Dean District Council.

A two-day ‘Project Bloom’ pilot has brought a fresh burst of community spirit to Lydney, as Forest of Dean District Council officers, waste contractor Ubico, housing partners, and local residents teamed up to enhance residential areas.

The Forest of Dean Revised Draft Local Plan continues to take shape, with the Council receiving over 2200 comments in response to the latest consultation to help decide the future direction of the plan.