The Forest of Dean could be expanded for the first time in centuries if Forestry England goes ahead with its plans to create a new woodland.
The organisation which manages 1,500 woods and forests across the country bought land near Edge End in Coleford in December 2024, with plans to create a new 88-hectare woodland called Hoarthorns.
Currently a mixture of arable land and fields, Forestry England is aiming to plant a diverse mixture of broadleaf and conifer trees – which could include aspen, Douglas fir, Scots pine, alder and oak – to provide a habitat for wildlife, as well as a sustainable source of timber in the future.
The new woodland area would also be open for public access, offering a 'quiet woodland for local people to explore and enjoy' to help boost the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors.
The plans for Hoarthorns form part of Forestry England's work to expand the nation's forests and plant at least 2,000 hectares of new woodlands by 2026.
A public consultation on the plans was launched this May 2025, giving residents the chance to share their thoughts, with their feedback informing the final design for the area.
There is a drop-in evening taking place from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday 22 May 2025 at Berry Hill Memorial Institute in Coleford, where members of the public can see the proposed designs and speak to Forestry England staff.
The public consultation on Hoarthorns is open until Sunday 1 June 2025 and anyone wishing to can submit their feedback at forestryengland.uk.
