Set-up in 1985, SEF is a fully constituted voluntary group with membership open to individuals and organisations that support its aims and are interested in furthering its work.

The Forum recognises that the protection and enhancement of the environment is best achieved by working together in the context of sustainability. The principles of sustainable development are at the heart of the Forum's work.

In Spring 2004 the Forum became the lead partner for all aspects of the natural and built environment for Swansea's community plan. In this plan Sustainability is a cross-cutting theme and the Environment is one of the main themes.