By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
There is frustration over the cancellation of a council meeting this week as opposition councillors wanted to debate the Forest of Dean’s bid for Unesco biosphere reserve status.
Forest of Dean District Council is in the process of applying for the Unesco biosphere designation which would give the area global recognition as an outstanding natural environment.
If approved, the Dean would join a select group of internationally recognised landscapes and become the eight in the UK.
Those behind the proposals say biosphere designation does not introduce new planning powers, change land ownership, or remove public access to the forest.
And historic rights, including Freemining, would remain unchanged.
Decisions about the area would continue to be made locally through partnerships involving the Foresters, Freeminers, Commoners, and Verderers, councils, land managers, businesses, community groups, and environmental organisations.
However, there are serious concerns over the lack of public consultation over the proposals.
And groups such as the Commoners’ Association remain unconvinced that the ancient tradition of sheep grazing in the Forest could be hindered by such a designation.
Progressive Independent Councillor Bernie O’Neill (Ruspidge) had wanted to debate a motion on April 16 the application and call for a six month pause to allow a full and proper consultation exercise with all stakeholders.
However, the meeting has been cancelled as “there were no formal items” which needed council consideration.
Cllr O’Neill said he was “extremely disappointed” over the meetin’gs cancellation.
“[It] has denied me the opportunity to explain the frustration shown by groups and organisations in the Forest regarding the bid for biosphere status, and the lack of consultation,” he said.
“These have not had a chance to explain their issues to the council.”
The Forest of Dean District Council has previously voted to endorse the Unesco biosphere application and it has the support of Gloucestershire County Council.
The District Council said in an online statement: “”The Full Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 16 April has been cancelled as there were no formal items requiring consideration at that meeting, in accordance with established council procedures.
“The decision to cancel the meeting was taken administratively following a routine review of the agenda against the requirements set out in the council’s constitution, including notice periods and publication deadlines.
“This is not unusual and we have revised our meeting schedule over the last year to accommodate the full council work programme.
“Council business continues as normal between meetings, and councillors remain free to submit motions and raise issues in line with the council’s agreed processes.
“The next full council meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 21, 2026.”
The council has been approached for further comment.
Climate emergency cabinet member Chris McFarling said previously that the council wants to create a lasting legacy for the area which celebrates its uniqueness.
“Biospheres provide a positive platform for innovation and long-term wellbeing,” he said.
“They combine environmental protection with community and economic development through new green and sustainable streams of funding and investment.
“Securing Unesco biosphere status for the Forest of Dean would help strengthen our local economy, create a wide range of opportunities and benefits for local residents and businesses, and especially protect our ancient traditions such as Freemining, Verderering, and Commoning.
“With local government restructure approaching, this also provides an opportunity to ensure the Forest of Dean’s cultural uniqueness, traditional heritage, and diverse natural environment can continue to be recognised and protected for future generations.
“We are continuing to work with residents of all ages, from schools and youth groups to long-established community organisations, to ensure the biosphere reflects the identity, heritage and future aspirations of the Forest of Dean.”