May 2026
This spring, we’re delighted to share how we’ve been strengthening connections across the Forest of Dean - listening to local voices, building partnerships and supporting practical action on climate and nature.
Our future direction
Over the last few months, we've spent some time working with our Steering Group on the future direction of FODCAP. We're pleased to share our new strategic document, FODCAP's Theory of Change.
Visit our website to read the one page summary or full document.
Building a Hub
Our new website
With generous support from local web designer Andy from Squiff Creative Media, we’re delighted to have a new design for our website. We’re excited to be developing a central hub for climate and nature action in the Forest of Dean.
Forest of Dean climate & nature action map
We’ve also launched a climate and nature map for the Forest of Dean, which showcases the brilliant climate, nature and linked social action happening across the district. From Forest Community Energy and the District Council loaning out thermal imaging cameras through local libraries, to volunteers working with Forestry England, to the many growing projects in the Forest Food Network - the map highlights the inspiring work already underway. It’s a simple way to see what’s happening locally and find opportunities to get involved.
Forest of Dean Travel Guide
Our Forest of Dean Travel Guide, brings together all the information you need to get around the Forest by foot, bike or public transport. Whether you’re checking bus times, planning a safe walking or cycling route, or booking a taxi - everything is now in one easy-to-use place.
Thank you to Active Gloucestershire for funding a new hardcopy for Cinderford’s main bus stop.
Nature and Climate Connectors WhatsApp Community
Our WhatsApp Community has grown to nearly 100 members. This one-way broadcast channel is a quick way to share updates, events and announcements. It was great to hear from our recent survey that people are passing posts on to friends, family and neighbours - helping positive messages ripple through the district. If you have an announcement you’d like us to share, please email info@fodcap.org. And please share the sign up link so we can grow our membership to over 100.
Increasing youth voice in climate work
As part of FODCAP’s work to include under-represented voices, we have started a piece of engagement work with young people that will run until July. We want to understand more about their views on climate change and nature loss and how we can involve them in our work in the future. If you know a school or youth group that might be interested in joining the programme, please get in touch.
Events
Climate Listening Café
This month we hosted our first Climate Listening Café, creating a welcoming space for people to talk openly about their thoughts and feelings around the climate and ecological crisis. We’ll be running these sessions every two months, with details shared on our News & Events page and via our WhatsApp Community.
Coleford Together project
We’ve also supported Severn Wye Energy Agency’s Coleford Together project. Alongside Forest Community Energy, the District Council and Forest Voluntary Action Forum, Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF), we joined a community engagement event at Coleford Baptist Church. Building on last year’s Citizen Visioning work, the project will support residents to develop locally owned sustainability initiatives. Severn Wye will share a report from the event soon, followed by a second session to take project ideas forward. To find out more and to get involved contact Lindsey Logan at Severn Wye.
FODCAP Grants
FODCAP offers small grants to support climate and nature projects across the Forest of Dean, in line with our Theory of Change.
Forest Food Forum People’s Assembly
A recent grant enabled the Forest Food Forum to host a family-focused People’s Assemblyat The Wilderness Centre in February. It explored the question: “What more can we do to provide healthy food for families in the Forest of Dean?” The event included a delicious locally sourced meal prepared by Little Feast, and a tour of the centre’s beautiful nature-rich grounds. The Forest Food Forum has now reviewed all the ideas gathered and identified priority areas to take forward. We look forward to sharing updates as their work progresses.
Forest Exchange gets more storage
Another grant supported Forest Exchange, helping them purchase a shipping container to expand their storage capacity in Lydney. This will enable them to redistribute even more unwanted items within the community - reducing waste and supporting local households.
Looking Ahead
Together with partners from FVAF, the Forest Food Network and the Forest of Dean District Council, we’re hosting a screening of Six Inches of Soil, followed by a panel discussion. The film tells the inspiring story of three British farmers transforming their land to heal the soil and strengthen local food systems. Tickets are sold out but the waiting list is open.
This June, we’re also co-hosting an event for farmers and landowners to find out about tree planting opportunities, grants and support available. Whether you run a working farm or own a small piece of land, you’ll get straightforward guidance on how trees can support productivity, resilience and long‑term land health.
Dates for your diary
Screening of Six Inches of Soil and panel discussion - Thursday 14 May (fully booked)
Tree Planting Workshop and Farm Walk - Thursday 18 June, 10:00am - 2:30pm
Online Climate Listening Café - Monday 22 June, 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Interested in knowing more about any of these events? Please get in touch at info@fodcap.org.