Forest of Dean

Forest of Dean is a local government district in west Gloucestershire, England, named after the Forest of Dean. Its council is based in Coleford. Other towns and villages in the district include Blakeney, Cinderford, Drybrook, English Bicknor, Huntley, Littledean, Longhope, Lydbrook, Lydney, Mitcheldean, Newnham and Newent. History The district was formed on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972. The new district covered the whole area of four former districts and part of a fifth, which were all abolished at the same time: East Dean Rural District Gloucester Rural District (parishes of Newnham and Westbury-on-Severn only) Lydney Rural District Newent Rural District West Dean Rural District The new district was named Forest of Dean after the ancient woodland which covers much of the district. Governance Forest of Dean District Council provides district-level services. County-level services are provided by Gloucestershire County Council. The whole district is also covered by civil parishes, which form a third tier of local government. Political control Since the 2023 election the council has been run by a Green minority administration with support from Labour on a confidence and supply basis.