Save Our Forests

The Government intends to sell off our Forests


Sign the Petitions

http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/Pages/default.aspx


http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/save-our-forests

WS

Saw this on the news last night re the Forest of Dean.

Signed both and shared 38 Degrees on Facebook.

Lai

I have also signed both petitions, I think once they are sold after a period of time we will be unable to visit them. There was news of a forest, I think in the lake district that had a picnic area, and access to the forest that has now been closed off by a 5 bar gate. You can still legaly walk through the Forest, but you have to climb the gate first. That is not proper access in my mind
WS

Another article by the Forestry Commision Trade Unions
http://www.fctu.org.uk/SaveOurForests/index.asp

WS

Mmmmmm you can't block a public right of way though, so the gate should have a style (can't work out how to spell this) for people to climb over if the gate is there to keep livestock in, which of course it may be. The 'right to roam' etc.

Lai

Your right there Lai,there is a style apparently, but not positioned very close to the area. The problem is it used to be a picnic area with car parking spaces. Now people have to park partly on the road, and the grass verge. For the elderly, and young familys, climbing over a style, or a 5 bar gate, with toddlers ect is not an easy access. So although the right of wat is there, they have made it as inconveniant as possible. Thats denying older people the chance of a stroll in the woods, and also it discourages children from finding out the delights of woodland, and wildlife. The worry is this could happen all over England. On the BBC News this morning there was a report from Cumbria, where they were saying this could put projects aimed at conserving Ospreys, and the Red Squirrel at risk. So I really think everyone should get behind the petitions. It's going really well on facebook. It's estimated that it costs every person in England 30p a year to keep are forests in Government hands, and I'm sure the vast majority would willing pay that. Rather than the Government make a big profit from selling the Forests off
WS

It's on the lunchtime news as well today WS - more people need to be aware and sign as many petitions as possible. Also write to their MP.

Lai

Ive signed both petitions and shared them both on facebook

PPH

Lai

Well done PPH
A New Direction for Englands Forests from DEFRA. Its a long read, but what do you think. Should we sell off future generations Forest heritage, and Wildlife habitat, to pay for this Generations Debt
http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/news/2011/01/27/englands-forests/

WS

Well, there are always two sides to an argument/discussion. I have read the link and would have to read it several times before really getting to grips with it. I think it's easy to have a knee jerk reaction to the proposal without understanding it. Having said that please don't think I am in favour of selling off these forests, I just think we need to fully understand the picture.

WS said

Should we sell off future generations Forest heritage, and Wildlife habitat, to pay for this Generations Debt

My short answer is NO.

Lai

I quite agree Lai, as I said it's along read, and there's a lot of detail in there. There's no doubt that some woodland could be sold of like plantations of pine, and connifer, which are not natural to England, and are not suitable for visiting as they are so dark, and dont allow growth on the floor, so they also do not provide a suitable habitat for plants, or wildlife. My main concern is what Laws will be put in place to maintain suitable access for all people inc the disabled, and whats to prevent them being watered down in the future. My other concern is that conservation organisations such as the RSPB, and others will not by Law be allowed to run conservation projects in the areas sold off, and I have seen no mention of that so far.

WS

I agree WS - it is early days and I am sure we will learn more with each passing day. Each wood must be considered on it's own merit, not a job lot.

I have never been a fan of DEFRA - it's a long story, but we have to remember Government's come and Government's go. This is going to end up being a hornets nest I imagine!

Lai

below is what the National Trust thinks about the subject

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-global/w-news/w-latest_news/w-news-save-our-forests.htm?campid=facebook

Thanks PPH will have a look later My tea's nearly ready
WS

Thanks for the link PPH - good news that the National Trust is involved.

Press news from the Wildlife Trusts - 27th January
http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/index.php?section=news&id=3598

Lai

Commons Vote Today


WS

I emailed our MP yesterday as per the request from 38 Degrees- not sure if I have had a reply as I am not in my office yet.

It will be an interesting vote today.

Thanks for posting WS.

Lai

Unfortunatly my MP's Welsh, and Wales has declared that they have no intention of selling of the Forests. I've emailed him in the hope that he will vote against the sell off, but I dont think it will high on his priority list
WS

Mmmmmm but good news that Wales is not looking into the possibility of selling off their forests!

Today in Parliament - Main chamber

Time Business
11:30am Oral Questions
Wales

12:00pm Prime Minister's Question Time
Ten Minute Rule Motion - Tony Lloyd
High Pay Commission

Debate
Opposition Day (10th allotted day) – (i) Performance of the Business, Innovation and Skills Department (ii) The Public Forest Estates in England

Motion
To approve European Union documents relating to Court of Auditors’ 2009 Report

Adjournment - Dr Daniel Poulter
NHS funding for hospice care


If I can I'll watch at lunchtime
Lai

Keep the pressure on Tory & Lib Dem MP's write to you MP their getting loads of mail



WS

Interesting read WS - thanks.

You can read the whole debate on http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmtoday/cmdebate/12.htm
It's not a short read and one I am saving for later.

I did have a reply to my email from our MP but I have just checked and our MP was one of the 310 noes.

Lai

Campaign to Protect Rural England - their view on this

http://www.cpre.org.uk/campaigns/landscape/protected-landscapes/protected-landscapes-our-view

Lai

Thanks Lai will check that out tomorrow
WS

looks like there is some hope

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12428814