In Cinderford, a group of wild boar caused excitement as they made a nocturnal appearance, wandering past The Golden Lion pub.

Footage captured by local resident Nikki Norman showed six boar casually strolling through town, much to the amusement of pub-goers.

The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre opened a new, fully accessible mountain biking trail called Old Bob’s Trail. Designed for beginners and those using adaptive bikes, the 2km green-graded trail includes three skills areas.

Dan Weston, Recreation Manager for Forestry England, expressed his enthusiasm: “This trail has been a long-standing dream of ours, and it’s fantastic to see it open and riders already enjoying it.” Named after a historic pumping engine at Cannop Colliery, Old Bob’s Trail highlights the area’s industrial heritage while promoting accessibility and inclusivity.

Tributes poured in for former Lydney Mayor Robin Warren, who passed away at the age of 93. Warren, a dedicated public servant, had a long history of service, from his time in the Royal Engineers to roles as a Liberal Democrat councillor, churchwarden, and journalist.

His involvement in numerous organizations reflected his commitment to the Forest. Warren’s legacy as a local guide, folk dancer, and community leader was celebrated by many, with friends and family fondly remembering his warmth, humor, and dedication to others.

SGS College launched a new course aimed at preparing Forest residents for careers in the growing green sector.

The Introduction to Green Skills Careers course covers topics such as renewable technologies like air source heat pumps, solar thermal systems, and battery storage.

Delivered in partnership with the Forest of Dean District Council, the free course offers practical activities, group discussions, and support with transport costs. Participants can explore career opportunities in renewable energy and gain hands-on experience.

Coleford welcomed a new gaming hub, The Dented Bascinet, which opened on Friday, November 1. The launch event drew over 50 enthusiasts eager to experience the town’s first dedicated space for tabletop games, RPGs, and crafting.

The hub offers model painting and crafting stations, as well as spaces for board and card games. Darcy shared her vision: “Our aim is to provide a safe space for people to meet and have fun.” With refreshments like toasties and plans for charity events, The Dented Bascinet is set to become a vibrant community hub.

In Hartpury, the stadium at Hartpury University and Hartpury College was renamed 4ED Hartpury Stadium, in partnership with Vodafone.

The new name honors former Gloucester Rugby player Ed Slater, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2022. Over the next three seasons, 50p from every ticket sold will support the 4ED Foundation, which aids those living with MND. The partnership includes advanced performance support for Hartpury’s women’s rugby teams.

Gloucestershire County Council unveiled plans for a new day-staffed fire station in Cinderford. The proposal, to be discussed in December, aims to add 14 firefighters to improve response times and resilience during daytime hours.

Chief Fire Officer Mark Preece highlighted the importance of the move: “We want to ensure we have the right people, in the right place, at the right time.”

December saw Newent’s Olympic legacy come under scrutiny as dressage star Charlotte Dujardin was handed a one-year competition ban by the FEI following allegations of excessive whip use during a training session.

The suspension, backdated to July 2023, comes just ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Dujardin had been poised to become Britain’s most decorated female Olympian. She will be eligible to compete again in July 2025.

In Awre, plans for a new saltmarsh nature reserve could soon transform 148 hectares of farmland into a haven for wildlife and a center for climate research.

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust aims to restore the saltmarsh habitat by breaching the existing sea wall and allowing tidal waters to reclaim the site. Community consultations so far have been largely positive, with formal plans expected to be submitted to the Forest of Dean District Council in the coming months.

The Newent Orchestra’s Classical Christmas Concert returned on Thursday, December 14, at St Mary’s Church. Conducted by Tobias Lazenbury and led by Orchestra Leader Bill Anderson, the event featured a mix of traditional carols and festive favourites.