The Forest of Dean’s application for UNESCO biosphere reserve status has raised hopes and concerns alike, particularly among the local commoners. Their support may depend on reaffirming their ancient rights and reinstating key community groups like the Sheep Liaison Group.
Forest of Dean District Council is pursuing biosphere status to gain international recognition for the area’s unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage. However, some residents—including the Commoners’ Association—have voiced unease over the limited public consultation and potential impacts on access and traditional practices.
The Commoners’ Association, dedicated to preserving centuries-old commoning rights, emphasizes the importance of protecting these traditions. General Secretary Mick Holder stated, “We, the commoners, are not prepared to compromise our rights in any shape or form, whether related to money, goods, or otherwise. If compromise is expected, we will not accept it.”
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Holder highlighted that commoners’ rights trace back to the 1217 Charter of the Forest, securing the right of pasture which remains vital today. “Commoning is a living tradition in the Forest of Dean, and we must ensure it faces no hindrance,” he added.
The association is calling for the re-establishment of the Sheep Liaison Group, a collaborative body that had previously managed issues such as sheep welfare, traffic accidents, and nuisance complaints. Holder pointed to ongoing concerns, including unaddressed animal carcasses and outbreaks of sheep scab, underscoring the potential risks without dedicated oversight.
He also noted the growing threat of nearby animal diseases, like foot and mouth in Greece and swine fever, stressing the need for proactive measures: “Without a Sheep Liaison Group, who will manage these risks in the Forest of Dean?”
Responding to these concerns, Forest of Dean District Council affirmed that commoning would remain central under the biosphere designation. A council spokesperson explained, “Commoners’ grazing activities will continue entirely unchanged. In fact, biosphere status provides an opportunity to celebrate and support the unique human-nature relationship exemplified in commoning.”
The council is committed to involving commoners in the governance of the biosphere reserve, aiming for representation in both strategic and operational bodies. This inclusive framework is designed to ensure balanced decision-making, with local residents, commoners, and freeminers all participating.
Furthermore, the biosphere status could generate funding for habitat restoration, grazing infrastructure, and initiatives to support future generations of commoners. The partnership includes various stakeholders such as Gloucestershire County Council and Forestry England, strengthening the foundation for effective collaboration.
The proposed governance structure envisions a stewardship assembly that sets broad strategy, a delivery partnership managing project implementation, and oversight by a custodians and monitoring panel. Topic-specific working groups, including those focused on commoning and grazing, are expected to play a key role.
While final governance details await agreement from all parties, the council expresses hope that biosphere designation will formalize and enhance the Forest of Dean’s historic tradition of self-governance and sustainable land use.