“We want to create quality radio programmes that focus on the people and places of the Forest of Dean.”

That’s the message from Ryan Davies, Station Manager of new radio station Dean Radio. The tagline of the station is ‘From the Forest – For the Forest’, and Ryan says he’s committed to producing content that will engage listeners from all over the Forest of Dean.

He said: “The whole aim of the new radio station is to focus on the Forest of Dean area. We’ll be delivering engaging and informative radio programmes that local people want to listen to. Many of our presenters live in the local area so they understand what’s going on in the Forest of Dean. I see this radio station as a chance to really bring the local community together.”

Dean Radio broadcasts on 105.6FM as well as online and via mobile apps. Funded by the National Lottery, the station is looking for residents from the Forest of Dean to volunteer their services to help with the running of the station.

Ryan continued: “We’re all volunteers and my role is to take charge of the day to day running of Dean Radio. Moving forwards we’re looking for volunteers from all backgrounds to join us. It doesn’t matter how old you are, if you want to help out at Dean Radio then please get in touch. Whether you fancy yourself as a presenter or are more interested in the production side of things then we’d love to hear from you.

“We’re all committed to making this a real success. We’re already in talks with certain areas in the local area that struggle to get good FM reception, so we’re looking at installing extra transmitters to solve that problem.

There’s been a tremendous amount of work that’s gone into the planning and preparation of setting up the station. Everyone involved did themselves proud, our first few broadcasts were perfectly executed which was so pleasing. We had to have quality from day one to attract new listeners, it’s been really good to hear feedback from the locals who seem to be enjoying what we’re producing.

“We’re looking into the prospect of broadcasting on DAB as well as FM which would make us really accessible. I never look too far ahead but it would be fantastic to think that we could grow and become a leading community radio station. That’s certainly the aim.”