Forest of Dean closer to Unesco 'biosphere' status

The Forest of Dean is to be submitted for consideration as a Unesco "biosphere reserve".

If approved, the forest would join 759 special areas in locations from Australia's Sunshine Coast to the Gobi Desert.

Forest of Dean District Council voted in favour of applying for the status at a meeting on Thursday.

Councillors said they wanted to "ensure what is special about the Forest of Dean is recognised and celebrated".

Unesco describes its biosphere reserves as "places where sustainable development practices... can be tested and implemented".

Councillors arguing for the biosphere status said it could bring extra investment to the district while creating jobs and promoting sustainable tourism, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

The status would build on existing special conservation designations, however, it would not add any extra planning or environmental protections.

Around £80,000 has so far been spent on the project to win the status, and eight years already spent working on it.

Councillors have now agreed to allocate a further £45,000 from earmarked reserves to extend the council's sustainable environment research and development officer role until April 2027.

Councillor Nick Evans questioned spending £125,000 on the application, but, following a debate, said he could see there was a "strong economic argument".

There is no intention of closing off any part of the forest, councillors said.

They also said the designation would recognise and celebrate the forest's centuries-old traditions, such as freemining – which grants certain locals the right to mine coal, iron and stone on personal plots known as "gales".

Councillor Tim Gwilliam asked for the Verderers, a group that has been involved in the management of the forest since medieval times, to be included in future consultations.

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