Save Our Forests: Alice Holt Protest

Excellent video from the protest meeting yesterday at Alice Holt Forest, Surrey.

Save Our Forests: Cameron Confused at PMQs

New Forest Hampshire

From today's Guardian, more misinformation from the Government:

Here is a statement. "The idea that all Forestry Commission forests are open to the public and do not charge is simply not true," said the prime minister. "Many forests, such as the New Forest, are not owned by the Forestry Commission and have much better access, no parking charges and very good records on habitat. While we are having this consultation, we should bust some of the myths that have been put around about this idea."

And here, by way of contrast, is another statement. "In 1924 the management of the New Forest passed to the Forestry Commission under the Forestry (Transfer of Woods) Act, 1923 and became vested in the Minister of Agriculture rather than the Sovereign."

Someone made a fool of themselves in the Commons this week, we think. We think it was Dave.

Hugh Muir - Guardian 11 02 2011

The BBC clip is here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12405934

Save our Forests - Breaking: Tory Party Unveils New Logo!

Save Our Forests: Jonathon Porritt is on the Nail!

Why have the environmental NGOs been so slow to counter the Forestry Sale proposals in the Public Bodies Bill?

Jonathon Porritt discusses this issue on his blog and more besides. Stimulating reading.

Here: http://www.jonathonporritt.com/pages/

Save Our Forests: Open Spaces Society response

Robin Wood sunset February 2011

The Open Spaces Society has published a set of safeguards for the public forest estate in England which will ensure open access to the forests which might be sold off. Of course I would prefer nothing to be sold off and the whole proposals (clauses 17 to 19) to be dropped from the Public Bodies Bill.

They have written to MPs urging them to advocate these safeguards in the debate.

All these safeguards must be satisfied before the sale of Forestry Commission woods and forests happen.

All land should be offered first to a charity or community group, together with the guarantee of sufficient funds for that organisation and its successors to manage it in perpetuity, for its access, biodiversity and landscape qualities.

Before any Forestry Commission land is sold, the prospective purchaser must sign an agreement, legally-binding in perpetuity, to:

1. retain and manage the land as woodland and not allow it to be developed for any other purpose,

2. where there are legal rights of access, maintain and increase these, adding rights for riders and cyclists wherever appropriate,

3. where there are no legal rights of access, dedicate the land so that there are permanent rights of access throughout the wood or forest for walkers, riders and cyclists,

4. welcome informal access, free of charge, at all times.

Says general secretary, Kate Ashbrook: "These are tough tests, but they are absolutely essential if our forests and woodlands are to continue to provide inspiration, refreshment and recreation for the public, as well being a vital component of the landscape and habitat for wildlife. Nothing less is acceptable."

Mark Spencer MP - Clueless

Just heard Mark Spencer MP for Sherwood on BBC East Midlands Today talking about Public Rights of Way on private property in the context of the forest sale scandal. It's obvious he has no idea about the status of Rights of Way and thinks that they are owned by landowners and not the Highway Authority.

He needs to stick to something he knows something about (whatever that is).

Private Forest Ownership equals Less Access

Robin Wood near Melbourne is a prime example of how access to woodland can easily be reduced by private owners. This wood is owned by the Church Commissioners (i.e. the Church of England) and managed by the Forestry Commission. For many years open access to the wood allowed mountain bikers and horse riders to roam over all of it. However just over a year ago, things changed and a sign appeared announcing that the lease had changed. Changed for the worse. Public access was now prohibited. Prohibited, despite the fact that a public bridleway runs through the middle of it.

After pressure, tatty A4 posters were produced to say that the bridleway and the footpath were not affected but all other access was not allowed. Those tatty posters have gone but the bridleway is still not properly way-marked. 

Of course the locals ignore the "No Public Access" sign and still ride their horses and mountain bikes over the site. A less generous private owner would no doubt fence the site off and allow narrow channels for the public rights of way as has happened at Rigg Wood in Cumbria. Make no mistake the privatisation of our forestry will disadvantage walkers, horse riders, orienteerers and mountain-bikers. If you belong to any of these groups make your voice heard before you lose your access.

Swannington Footpath Re-opened

The Swannington footpath N108 closed by a local landowner has re-opened with a nice new sign after the Planning Inspectorate has ordered its re-instatement.

Well done to Swannington Parish Council, the Ramblers (Stan Warren) and the Leicestershire Footpath Association for putting up such a fine performance at the Public Inquiry last February.

Follow this link for the full story:

http://melbournefootpaths.blogspot.com/2010/02/swannington-path-inquiry.html

Melbourne Walking Festival 25 to 26 June 2011

From the Melbourne Walking Festival website:

This summer Melbourne Civic Society will host a weekend of walks in the attractive landscapes of South Derbyshire surrounding the historic  market town of Melbourne.

In all, we will offer 7 walks details of which are given on the Walks page. These range from 4 to 15 km, so suit all levels. On the Saturday there will be a Town Walk led by a leading local historian.

Why not join us in walking the attractive countryside surrounding our town?

The link is here:

http://www.melbournewalkingfestival.co.uk/

Why not book a place!

Save Our Forests Campaign

I sent this letter to Lord Hunt of Kings Heath recently as part of the Ramblers campaign to keep access to rights of way through Forestry Commission land.

===

Dear Lord Hunt

I am a passionate walker and live in the midst of the National Forest, much of which is locally owned or managed by the Forestry Commission.

I am therefore writing in connection with the Public Bodies Bill that is currently in Committee in the
House of Lords. Whilst not all land accessed by the public must be publicly owned, it is vital that any sale of Forestry Commission land be carefully managed, with public access as a top priority.

I am very keen that community groups are able to take a more active involvement in their local woodland, but it is important that everyone’s ability to continue to access and enjoy British woodland is at the forefront of any sale agreement.

I would like you to ensure that five key criteria are included on the face of the Bill itself – to be met before any sale of Forestry Commission land is considered.

1) Public access is maintained and enhanced.
2) Public rights of way and access land are properly managed.
3) No sale or transfer is completed until the purchaser has committed to preserving and maintaining access.
4) Where access is currently not secured in law, this is remedied through CROW Act dedication.
5) The local community is consulted and given the opportunity to play a full and active part in woodland management, including first-refusal on purchase.

I would urge you to raise these concerns in debate, and ensure that the Public Bodies Bill will not damage the interests of walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Best regards

Barry Thomas
Melbourne
cc:
Eva Hartson-Sanders
cc:
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon

Also look here:

38 Degrees | Save Our Forests