Come Tell the Future Story of the Forest of Dean

Have your say this January and February 2026 on the Forest's future. Scroll down for dates!

Together with FVAF, the Forest Voluntary Action Forum, Wylderne has been commissioned by Forest of Dean District Council to lead an exciting conversation across our community about what comes next for this special place we call home.

So what's it all about?

Our unique landscape has created a remarkable history and culture. But what will be the next chapter for this working Forest? What could a future look like that's rooted in our beautiful landscape and the stories that have forged our local identity?

As part of these conversations, we'll also explore whether becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve could help bring out the potential we know is here. A Biosphere is a place where communities learn how to protect biodiversity AND develop sustainably – finding local solutions to global challenges. But this is a genuine conversation about possibilities, not a done deal.

We want to hear from YOU.

We're using an innovative approach that starts by asking what you value and treasure about the Forest. What stories make you proud? What are our strengths? What would you like to see in our future?

Drop in and chat with us

We're coming to a venue near you throughout January and February:

January dates:

22 Jan, 11am-2pm:Chillout Zone, 36 Broad St, Newent GL18 1AJ
26 Jan, 11am-2pm: Café Sixteen, 16 Bank St, Coleford GL16 8BA
28 Jan, 10am-12pm: The Victoria Centre, 5 Victoria Road, Lydney GL15 5DG
29 Jan, 11:30am-1:30pm:The Swan Community Hub, Ledbury Rd, Staunton GL19 3QA
30 Jan, 9-10am: Hilltops Family Centre, Latimer Road, Cinderford GL14 2QA

February dates:

2 Feb, 10am-1pm: Ow Bist, Dockham Rd, Cinderford GL14 2AN
3 Feb, 11am-1pm: Sedbury Space,11 King Alfreds Rd, Sedbury, Chepstow NP16 7AG
3 Feb, 5:30- 7:30pm: LBTQ+ Workshop - Coleford, Old Station Way, Coleford GL16 8RHL
9 Feb: 11am-2pm: Café Sixteen, 16 Bank St, Coleford GL16 8BA
10 Feb, 11am-2pm: FODCAP (Forest of Dean Community Action Partnership) Workshop -Ow Bist, Dockham Rd, Cinderford GL14 2AN
16 Feb, 10am-1pm: Ow Bist, Dockham Rd, Cinderford GL14 2AN
19 Feb, 11:30am-1:30pm:Chillout Zone, 36 Broad St, Newent GL18 1AJ
23 Feb: Cinderford, Hilltops Family Centre, 9-10am
23 Feb: 11am-2pm: Café Sixteen, 16 Bank St, Coleford GL16 8BA
25 Feb: 10am-12pm: The Victoria Centre, 5 Victoria Road, Lydney GL15 5DG
26 Feb: 11:30am-1:30pm:The Swan Community Hub, Ledbury Rd, Staunton GL19 3QA
27 Feb, 9-10am: Hilltops Family Centre, Latimer Road, Cinderford GL14 2QA