About Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust CIO

The Forest of Dean is situated in the west of England, on the border with Wales. The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust and Forestry England have worked in partnership since 1986 to create a pioneering Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst, which has evolved into a unique collection of sculptures in an outstanding woodland environment.

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust develops and manages artists’ projects and commissions on the Sculpture Trail, a Forestry England site. Our Board of Trustees are unpaid volunteers who play an important role in supporting the vision and mission of the charity. Trustees are responsible for seeing that FODST meets both its charitable objectives and its legal requirements as a CIO.

Our trustees are individuals of all backgrounds and ages, with various skills and experience, who have a keen interest in the Forest of Dean and believe in the fundamental value of arts and culture. You’ll find being a Board member is a rewarding experience – working closely with Forestry England and the charity’s small freelance team of producers, making your own contribution to a pioneering and forward-looking arts organisation, operating within a beautiful forest setting in the context of the extraordinary Forest of Dean. This is a pivotal time for FODST CIO as we set out a new strategic direction, following an exciting programme of new permanent and temporary sculptures.

The Sculpture Trail currently has 18 commissioned artworks and we also programme public events alongside engagement projects. Further information about our programme of work and history can be found at https://www.forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk/about/

Our purpose is:
• to provide free and open access to world-class contemporary sculpture for all
• to provide opportunities for artists to develop ambitious, high-quality, environmentally responsible sculptures which respond to and are informed by active engagement with the Forest of Dean