GROUP STATEMENT 15 April 2026

The Biosphere application 

When the Council agreed to move forward with the Biosphere status, it was under the condition that full, comprehensive engagement with the public and local organisations was carried out to get the public and those groups not only informed but supportive of the proposal

It is now clear—based on the firm opposition from the Commoners Association and over 700 petition signatories—that those fundamental conditions have not been met.

The process needs to be paused and restarted. Consultation is only meaningful if leaders actually listen to the community—even when it goes against their original aims and ambitions or where the findings may surprise.

It is not the role of Councillors to override public opinion or "game" the system if they do not like the public's view.

Neither is it the fault of Cllrs outside the administration if the original process is handled in such a way that it makes a total "horlicks" of the entire proposal.

This is NOT about the potential designation itself, but instead highlights the utter failings of the attempted engagement process

The Forest of Dean belongs to its people, not to the Forest of Dean District Council.

The Council must stop, listen, and do this right, and only then proceed

The future designation of The Forest of Dean is far too important and its future too precious not to do so.

Progressive Independent Group Forest of Dean District Council.