THE Forest of Dean has moved a step closer to being declared a ‘National Landscape’.

The ‘Glover Review’ made up of an independent panel of experts has given its full support for the region to be given the official status.

In 2015, the Forest Council supported the Campaign to Protect Rural England (Gloucestershire) in their quest for the region to achieve Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) status by writing to the local MP, the Secretary of State and the Chief Executive of Natural England.

Julian Glover was then asked by the Westminster Government to look at National Parks and AONBs in England to consider how effective the designations are, and how they fit with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ 25-Year Environment Plan and options for the future.

Last January, the panel’s Dame Fiona Reynolds visited the Forest to see its special qualities.

And now the Glover Review has given its full support for the Forest of Dean to be named a ‘National Landscape’, which will raise the profile of the area, support the protection of its special qualities and open new opportunities for funding and partnership working.

Cllr Tim Gwilliam, Leader of the Forest Council said: “Locally we all know that the Forest of Dean is a very special place.

“Now we’re on the path to being recognised nationally for the beauty of our district and its unique qualities I really welcome this report.

“I’ll be writing to DEFRA this week to ask for talks to look at how we can work together over the next few months to progress and consult on the Forest of Dean being officially designated as a National Landscape.”