PLANS to secure international recognition for the Forest of Dean have taken a major step forward, with a formal bid being drafted for UNESCO biosphere status.

Forest of Dean District Council is preparing its official submission to UNESCO, marking the latest stage in a process that has been developing over the past five years.

The project has involved extensive public consultation, including surveys, community engagement work, research programmes and public meetings, alongside collaboration between multiple agencies and organisations.

Funding for the application has already been secured through the Government-backed UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with widespread support from local businesses, community groups, education providers, environmental bodies and Gloucestershire County Council.

Council leaders say the designation would help create a long-term legacy for the district, balancing environmental protection with economic growth.

Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Cllr Chris McFarling, said: “We want to create a lasting legacy for the area which celebrates the uniqueness of our district, protects our natural environment, and helps our communities to thrive.

“Biospheres provide a positive platform for innovation and long-term wellbeing. They combine environmental protection with community and economic development through new green and sustainable streams of funding and investment.”

He added that achieving biosphere status would strengthen the local economy while safeguarding long-standing traditions unique to the Forest, including Freemining, Verderering and Commoning.

Cllr McFarling also highlighted the importance of protecting the district’s identity amid upcoming changes to local government structures, ensuring its cultural heritage and natural landscape continue to be recognised.

Work is ongoing to involve residents of all ages, from school pupils and youth groups to established community organisations, helping to shape a bid that reflects the Forest’s identity and future ambitions.

The council has been keen to reassure residents that biosphere designation would not introduce new planning powers, alter land ownership or restrict public access.

Historic rights, including Freemining, would remain unchanged, while decisions would continue to be made locally through partnerships involving Foresters, Freeminers, Commoners and Verderers, alongside councils, land managers and environmental groups.

The bid is also expected to highlight the Forest’s internationally significant landscapes, from its ancient woodland to its network of rivers and wildlife habitats, as well as the strong connection between local communities and the land.

Supporters believe the recognition could help attract further investment into sustainable tourism, green jobs and conservation projects, while raising the profile of the district on a global stage.

UNESCO biospheres are internationally recognised areas known for their rich biodiversity and strong relationship between people and nature, supporting sustainable development alongside conservation. Examples of these can be found across the globe, from the Lake District in the UK to the Serengeti-Ngorongoro Biosphere Reserve in Africa.

If successful, the Forest of Dean would become just the eighth biosphere in the UK, joining a select group of nationally recognised landscapes.

Residents are being encouraged to find out more about the project and share their views through the council’s dedicated biosphere webpages, where updates and frequently asked questions are regularly published.