IN 1788, it was recognised that the office of Verderer of the Forest of Dean was more than an honorary title. There were real pressures on the forest to be dealt with. More than 200 years later, the same situation has arisen. We live in an increasingly uncertain world, where climatic and biological threats are more potent and alarming, but one where the huge value of forests, and all that they contribute to our wealth, energy and environment is, at last, being properly valued.

Coming years will undoubtedly bring fresh threats. For example, how will  the effects of public spending cuts over the next few years affect the Forestry Commission, and its management of the Dean? How can the forest, both the woods and the people of the Forest of Dean, make a more telling contribution to carbon balances? How can we know and monitor what is happening in our forest, both in scientific and political arenas?

Here is a future role for the Court of Verderers quite unlike any which it has faced before, in all its 800 years of history. As a candidate for election, I hope that your readers will turn up and vote in the election on December 1; whoever wins it will be heartening to see that the concern I feel for the future is also reflected by the enthusiasm of all of us living in this unique and beautiful forest.

David W G Taylor, Rodley.