The Forest of Dean was an extra-parochial area in the St Briavels Hundred of Gloucestershire.

In 2000 it purchased and refurbished Bream Community Centre, which has since been extended and a Parish Office established there.

Other areas Council have become involved in are provision of bus shelters, street cleaning, footpaths, play areas, environmental improvements and capital projects such as the restoration of Bream Cenotaph and works at Parkend Churchyard.

Every Council meeting begins with a Public Open Forum to enable electors to ask questions or comment on matters that affect the Parish.

At the 2001 census there were 10,305 people living in West Dean Parish, more than in any of the Forest towns.