THE process to elect a new Verderer is underway to replace the late Ray Wright.

Members at the court in Speech House Hotel will follow the same procedure which has been in place for around 800 years.

Steward to the Court, Kieron Griffin, reported that the official papers have been sent to the Queen’s Remembrancer.

Ian Standing, who is the most recent Verderer to be elected in 2011, said: “These include a request to the Crown to issue a writ de viridario eligendo, tested at the Royal Courts of Justice, London. This is a writ from the sovereign that commands the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire to arrange for the election of a new Verderer. On receipt of the writ, the High Sheriff will give notice that he is to hold a court for the election at which the freeholders of the county may vote.”

There are four Verderers and the office is held for life – the duties concern the vert and the venison of the Forest. At present Mr Ian Standing serves with Mr Maurice Bent and senior Verderer Mr Bob Jenkins.

The Verderers also noted at Court they would be keeping a close eye on potential gas exploration in the Forest of Dean.