One year on...
On 7th April 2025 I stepped into the brand-new role of Chairperson of Forest Community Energy. I was joined by two co-secretaries, Nick and Andy, plus two core volunteers, Peter and Phil. We had a dozen occasional volunteers and, crucially, seven months of mentoring and support via the AURORA Project from Megan and Amy (the Centre of Sustainable Energy) and Emma-Jayne (Forest of Dean District Council).
One year on, we are a fully incorporated Community Benefit Society, as of 1st October 2025. We have a six person board, including a Treasurer (David) and IT director (Solly). We have a bank account, a website, a well-thought through technical set-up, and over fifty paid members!
Looking back, here are a few of the highlights:
April - Our Task Group meets for the first time
May - We go to Awre to look at plans for Lightwood Solar Farm
June - We run our first in-person meeting at Sling Community Hub
July - The Sling Community Hub solar and battery are installed
August - We make our first film - about the Sling Hub Project
September - Complete our re-branding project with logo and brand colours
October - Incorporate and open a bank account, run a Drop-In event
November - Launch our website and paid membership option
December - Emma-Jayne becomes our Professional advisor
January - We are accepted onto the Community Energy Go program
February - Our Get Grant Ready pilot kicks-off
March - We help run a Future Energy Landscapes workshop in Dymock
An incredible twelve months, and so many people to thank for their invaluable help and support along the way.
“It is an exciting and pivotal time to be a community energy group and I am delighted that Forest Community Energy is evolving as a positive force for change in the wider Forest of Dean. The strength of the group lies in the amazing people involved and the tight communities we have here. I hope that the group will build on the past and go on to support a wide range of projects that pave the way for cleaner energy, warmer homes, and stronger communities in the Forest. Onwards!”
Helen Jeffrey, Chair
