WELL hey ho; these letters are getting a bit heavy of late – not without good cause though, so I thought I'd write to stir up a discussion on a slightly lighter subject viz release beavers into the Forest.

Did I hear someone groan? No matter. Think about it. In Scotland when the ospreys returned to a lake the surrounding area was classed as depressed because there was no work and low income. Some 20 years on the area is thriving with (I find this hard to believe) 2,000 people gaining a good income from tourists going to the area to look at the ospreys.

Beavers? Most people think they are endearing, even cuddly. They have been released in Scotland on a private fenced estate without public access. If they were released into our Forest with the Forestry Commission's blessing and organisation, I'm sure the area would gain from increased tourism. Did I hear another groan? Well don't be so selfish. Some people have to make a living.

I'll admit to my interest. Walking below The Pludds alongside the Greathrough brook I imagined how it would look if the brook was dammed in places to create a place similar to Soudley Ponds. This would not only make the area more attractive to wildlife but also be in tune with Government policy of slowing water's progress to the sea to avoid flooding.

In this particular case the brook flows to Lydbrook which does flood. But I released I was just dreaming because the cost of doing it would stop it before it started. But my dream continued and I thought of beavers.

Anywhere there are beavers the wildlife diversity increases and that's where my interest lies. I'd love to see it.?Strangely though, I'd probably never see a beaver because they are generally nocturnal. This also could be an advantage because people walking dogs need not be constrained.

So how about it Forestry Commission? You employ wildlife advisors. Give them a job to do. And also show the Government how necessary and valuable you are to the community which would be another argument to stop the sell off.

Another thought. There's a farmer in Wales making a very good living by feeding red kites and attracting people to the area. Go on; you know it makes sense. We're worth it.

– Just a dreamer.