BIOSPHERE MOTION 21/May/26

At tonight's FODDC AGM, Cllr O'Neill will put forward a motion requesting an official 6-month pause in the Biosphere Application process. This pause is aimed at ensuring that every person in the Forest of Dean can feel fully informed and engaged in the process, and requires a concentrated period of full consultation. 

We want to state quite clearly that this is NOT PARTY POLITICAL but concerns the future designation of the Forest of Dean.

We genuinely hope that on reflection, EVERY Councillor, be they Independents, Lib Dem, Labour, Conservative, Green or Reform, will agree that an acknowledged pause is not only required but will assist any application in the future.

To be clear, we consider that full consultation will include a  Council commitment to the following  ( and this will be included as part of this motion)

Furthermore, this Council RESOLVES:
1 To seek and formally record the position of every Town and Parish Council in the Forest of Dean on the Biosphere Reserve proposal.
2 To support those councils with officer assistance and resources, should they wish to consult their communities.
3 To engage directly with the Forest of Dean Commoners, Verderers and Freeminers and obtain a clear, formal statement of their position.
4 That this Council will not proceed with, support, or endorse any Biosphere Reserve application unless it has:•the express support of the Commoners; and•the support of at least two-thirds of Town and Parish Councils.

Finally, if that level of support is not achieved, this Council will take no further part in the Biosphere Reserve process."

If that support is achieved, the Application process can be continued without further delay.