THE government has now published its white paper on the future of the forests in England. As our MP, Mark Harper, stated throughout the recent HOOF campaign, it has now been confirmed that there is no plan to sell off the Forest of Dean. In addition the secretary of state has stated that the Public Bodies Bill will be amended so that, in perpetuity, the Forest of Dean can only be transferred into a public owned body or a charity. The rights of all those who make their living from the Forest or who enjoy access to it are to be protected.

I am extremely grateful to Mark Harper for the quiet and effective way he has worked to achieve this exceptional outcome for the people of the Forest. I am aware that he has worked tirelessly for us, while his political opponents have done all they can to denigrate his efforts. The astute manner in which he has handled a delicate situation has produced the result we had all hoped for.

Turning to the future, we are now presented with a unique opportunity to take control of this priceless asset. I would urge anyone with an interest in the Forest to respond to the consultation that will run until April 21. We have the chance to influence whether the Forest is owned and managed by a charity or

remains in public ownership. I can visualise a charity encompassing people from the Forestry Commission, the Verderers, the freeminers, quarrying firms, district and parish councillors. They should come together to manage the Forest in the interests of local people. It is a very big task, but there must be many experienced people willing to become involved. The first objective must be a concerted response to the consultation. Let's get working for the Forest and put the political point scoring behind us.

– Brian Thornton, Aylburton.