Communications archive 2019-2026
A record of press coverage, social and digital communications, and formal meetings relating to the Forest of Dean Biosphere project.
Press & Media
Press Releases
- 07 October 2021 – Survey launched to discover if residents want the Forest of Dean to become a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- 16 February 2022 – Forest of Dean District Council calls for potential sites for future housing and employment (includes reference to the Biosphere project)
- 16 May 2022 – Council progresses Forest of Dean Biosphere Reserve consultation after 90% support for Biosphere aims
- 15 July 2022 – UK Shared Prosperity Funding to give Forest communities and businesses a boost
- 08 February 2023 – Council to receive £1,000,000 from UK Shared Prosperity Fund
- 21 March 2025 – Council moves to designate Forest of Dean District as a Biosphere
- 04 November 2025 – Partners on board to support Forest of Dean Biosphere bid
- 19 March 2026 – UNESCO Biosphere bid to secure a lasting legacy for the Forest of Dean
Newspaper Columns
- 26 March 2026 – Leader’s Column (The Forester) Cllr Chris McFarling outlines what a Biosphere is and what it would mean for the Forest of Dean
(Published in print and online here)
Social & Digital
Early Project Development & Awareness (2019–2020)
- 26 March 2019 – Post outlining Forest of Dean Economic Partnership (FEP) plans, including exploratory work on UNESCO Biosphere benefits
- 18 March 2020 – Post referencing the Council’s Corporate Plan, including Biosphere ambitions and national landscape opportunities
Public Consultation & Engagement Campaign (2021)
- 18 May 2021 – Reshared FEP post on Arts Council funding to inform and educate on Biosphere benefits
- 07–18 October 2021 – Promotion of ‘The Forest We Want’ survey, including targeted engagement posts and BBC Bristol interview promotion
- 17–20 October 2021 – Promotion of FEP podcast series discussing heritage and the Biosphere
- 26 October – 12 November 2021 – Video series with Cllr Chris McFarling explaining different aspects of the Biosphere (what it is, economy, environment, business)
- 18 November – 15 December 2021 – Countdown and reminder posts ahead of survey closure, including business‑focused engagement
Survey Results & Clarification (2022)
- 16 May 2022 – Publication of FEP survey results
- 30 May & 17 June 2022 – Highlighted survey findings on sustainable farming and local food production
- 06 June 2022 – Post clarifying what a Biosphere will not do (no new laws, rules, or regulations)
- 22 June 2022 – Promotion of full video series and survey report
Expert Input & Public Events (2022)
- 08 July 2022 – Promotion of the Forest of Dean Local Plan (‘Our Plan’), including Biosphere aims
- 11–25 July 2022 – Video series with Andy Bell (North Devon Biosphere) on UNESCO, tourism, business, economy, and next steps
- 04 August 2022 – Summary promotion of Andy Bell video series
- 22 September – 06 October 2022 – Promotion and coverage of Forest Food Showcase Festival with Biosphere engagement stand
Ongoing Engagement & Milestones (2023–2026)
- 14 June 2023 – Royal Forest Showcase at Great Big Green Week with Biosphere engagement
- 21 March 2025 – Post confirming Full Council support for application to UNESCO
- 04 November 2025 – Partner support confirmed, including County Council backing
- 25 November 2025 – Partner event at Wilderness Centre and clarification on no regulatory change
- 19 March 2026 – Announcement of formal submission of Biosphere application to UNESCO
- 13 April 2026 – Further clarification post on what the Biosphere application will and will not do
Meetings
Cabinet Meetings
- 12 May 2022 – Discussion on consultation; confirmation that the project was at an early stage and further engagement would take place
- 13 March 2025 – Cabinet supports Biosphere application and allocates £45,000 to extend the Sustainable Environment Research & Development Officer role and fund engagement activity
- 04 December 2025 – Biosphere referenced within financial performance reporting and the Gloucestershire Economic Assessment
- 12 February 2026 – Questions raised by residents and organisations regarding consultation and engagement
Full Council Meetings
- 21 July 2022 – Questions from councillors and residents on what a Biosphere is and what it would mean
- 14 December 2023 – Biosphere referenced during the Council Plan vote
- 20 February 2025 – Chief Executive note regarding forthcoming Biosphere briefing
- 20 March 2025 – Full Council agreement to apply for UNESCO Biosphere designation
- 11 December 2025 – Confirmation of well‑attended Biosphere meeting
- 22 January 2026 – Update provided during Rivers and Oceans Motion debate
- 28 January 2026 – Continued discussion and further reference to Biosphere progress