The Forest Youth Forum is a group of young people aged 13 to 19 years who live in the Forest of Dean district.  We work on behalf of the young people in the district to discuss issues that matter to them, such as the environment.

The Forest Youth Forum organises events for young people, which this year included a fashion show promoting recycling, and a day’s conference (“Down to Earth”) also themed around the environment.  As a result of discussion groups and priorities highlighted by young people attending the conference, the Youth Forum produced this Environment Manifesto.

The Forest Youth Forum believes people in the Forest of Dean should be encouraged to use public transport more, and recommends the use of loyalty cards and incentive schemes.

The Forest Youth Forum strongly recommends increasing education in primary schools to raise awareness about environmental issues at an early age.

The Forest Youth Forum believes that more easily accessible recycling facilities in public places should be provided.  We suggest that recycling schemes should be promoted through youth clubs, centres and groups to increase awareness.  Our hope is that recycling levels in the district will increase by at least 10% in the next 3 years.

The Forest Youth Forum feels the food industry should reduce the amount of unnecessary packaging on items such as fruit and vegetables.  We would encourage local traders to reduce the use of carrier bags and promote ‘bags for life’ as an alternative.

May 2008