BIOSPHERE RESERVE STATUS
The Forest Biosphere: Protection or a Green Elite "Land Grab"?
When the idea of an international status for the Forest of Dean was first floated, many of us were optimistic. We saw an opportunity to celebrate our unique landscape and perhaps gain a bit more muscle in protecting our woods from unwanted development. But the more we dig into the details of this specific UNESCO bid, the more our optimism turns to alarm. What started as an investigation into a "special status" is beginning to look like a closed-door project designed to benefit a select few.
The biggest red flag is the staggering lack of transparency. For a project that claims to be for the community, why have so few residents actually been asked for their opinion? There is a growing and uncomfortable feeling that this proposal has been kept within a very tight circle. Rather than a broad public debate, the documents seem to have been circulated primarily among Cllr Chris McFarling's Green Party colleagues, business associates, and personal friends. If this is truly about the Forest, why does it feel like a private club for the "Green Elite"? One voice has been consistently clear on this issue is former Cllr Thom Forester. Mr Forester has been a vocal critic of this bid from the start. He has correctly identified that the Forest's identity is defined by its traditions—our Commoners and our Free Miners.
These aren't just hobbies; they are ancient rights.
Commoners: We've already seen fences going up for "conservation" projects. Biosphere status, with its strict UNESCO zoning, risks turning our open forest into a series of restricted paddocks.
Free Miners: Despite vague promises, there is no legal guarantee that an international designation won't eventually squeeze out small-scale mining. Green Party councillors in Gloucestershire have been lobbying for a phase-out of coal use in the county, specifically challenging the tradition of "freemining" in the Forest of Dean. Despite environmental concerns, a March 2025 motion at Gloucestershire County Council aimed at protecting the ancient rights of freeminers to mine and burn coal was passed, with only one Green member supporting the amendment to protect the heritage, while other party members pushed for stricter action.
Those same Green Cllrs are involved in Biosphere designation.
We were also alarmed at the Green Party's position on Forestry England's attempts to "protect" Cannop Ponds. A truly controversial project that was only prevented when the community group Save Cannop Ponds was so effective, but who even now, are continuing to be watchful.
The Green support for Forestry England on Cannop Ponds was to say the least, surprising but perhaps it has more than a small connection to Biosphere designation
Progressive independent councillors have been pressing for clarity. They have asked for iron-clad assurances from Cllr McFarling, but the response has been more than a little ambiguous.
While we want protection for the Forest, we are increasingly concerned about who really benefits. There are serious questions regarding the funding and the personnel involved in this process. We suspect that instead of supporting local trades, this money is destined for a new layer of "climate consultants" and administrative roles—many of whom are already linked to the very people pushing the bid. We don't want a "climate-themed park" run by an inner circle; we want a living, working Forest. We are not against protecting the Forest.
In fact, we want a special designation—one that is made in the Dean, for the Dean. But we cannot support a bid cooked up behind closed doors. There is a public meeting tonight (Saturday, 7 March in Littledean Village Hall).
We will be seeking answers to the following at FODDC
A full list of who has been consulted. A transparent breakdown of the funding and personnel involved. and Legally binding protection for our ancient rights.