The Forest of Dean District Council’s bid for UNESCO biosphere reserve status has sparked concern among local Commoners who fear it may alter their historic relationship with the ancient woodland. The Commoners' Association, representing those who graze sheep and livestock on the unenclosed forest land, worry that new conservation efforts tied to the biosphere designation might introduce fences and limit traditional practices.
Biosphere reserves acknowledge a region’s unique landscape, biodiversity, heritage, and educational value. While the council emphasizes that the status aims to celebrate the Forest as a “living, working landscape” without imposing new restrictions on land use, access, or grazing, the Commoners remain wary due to past experiences of fencing for environmental projects.
Mick Holder, general secretary of the Commoners’ Association, expressed frustration at being left out of consultations and fears the Forest could be transformed into a “theme park” at the expense of its heritage. Likewise, chairman Kelvyn Jones criticized the lack of public engagement and warned that dog owners and locals might face new limitations.
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Lucy Lovell, another association member, highlighted the negative impacts of existing wildlife preservation fences on activities such as dog walking and the free roaming of livestock and wildlife.
Supporting the biosphere bid, Kevin Stannard, Deputy Surveyor for the Forest of Dean, stressed that the UNESCO designation offers an opportunity to reconnect people with the land and foster collaboration among communities, organizations, and businesses. He described the bid as a framework to build a resilient, inclusive forest community and a sustainable economy, safeguarding the Forest’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
District Council leaders acknowledged the concerns and reiterated their commitment to traditional practices like commoning and free mining. They emphasized the biosphere application as a partnership celebrating everything that makes the Forest unique and expressed openness to direct dialogue with the Commoners’ Association.
As discussions continue, stakeholders hope to balance environmental stewardship with preserving the deep-rooted customs that define the Forest of Dean.