The Forest of Dean is a unique working landscape shaped by centuries of tradition.

Commoners, Freeminers, Horse riders, walkers and local residents rely on historic rights that make the Forest unlike anywhere else in the United Kingdom.

A proposal is currently being developed to designate the Forest of Dean as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

While international recognition may sound positive, the people who live and work in the Forest must be properly consulted before any application proceeds.

The Forest of Dean Commoners’ Association has only recently been informed about this proposal despite it being in development for several years.

We have too many questions to make an informed decision, for example...

• How will public access for walkers and horse riders be affected?

• How will free-roaming sheep grazing be protected if conservation projects introduce fencing?

• How will Freeminers exercise their rights if land is enclosed?

We are calling for:

A pause to the UNESCO Biosphere application process.
Full and transparent consultation with commoners and local residents.
Publication of any proposed zoning or land-management changes, and the management of the biosphere application.

The Forest of Dean is not just a landscape – it is a living community with traditions and inalienable rights that must be protected.

We ask decision-makers to ensure that local people are fully involved before any international designation moves forward.

Please share and inform friends, family and neighbours of what is happening on our doorstep!