CAMPAIGNERS against the privatisation and selling off of the public forests are to stage two 'peaceful demonstrations' over the next two weeks, to raise awareness to their causes, and to publicise their recently developed activities.

The first of these is a protest against the current fencing off of parts of the forest, which is to be held at the Northern Quarter development site, near Steam Mills, this coming Saturday, October 25, at 2pm.

In a statement on the 'Fight The Forest of Dean Sell Off' Facebook page, organisers said: "Fences are appearing. Wildlife is being trapped, Parts of our Forest are being sold off or development, and if we don't stop it here, then when this corrupt government's Infrastructure Bill comes in, it could all be sold off in this way.

"We'll be meeting to peacefully protest against the fencing of the Dean at 2pm on Saturday in the Northern Quarter, assembling by the gates to the old Northern United Colliery."

They are urging those attending to bring "placards, slogans, pictures, ribbons, and anything else that can safely be tied to the fencing safely."

A second event, a march organised by Hands Off Our Forests (HOOF), is planned for Wednesday November 5, and is aimed at all members of the local community.

In a statement, organisers said: "We hope to organise a short, poignant, peaceful but effective procession just after dark on November 5.

"We need it to be accessible for families, old folks and young, able bodied and disabled, and make our point without causing unnecessary disruption."

They have also issued an appeal for volunteers to help as stewards during the evening, preferably with hi-viz jackets, and also for people to donate their creative skills, in the form of banners, sculptures and artworks.

HOOF are also holding weekly open meetings for volunteers, which are being held in the function room of the Rising Sun Inn, Moseley Green, every Tuesday evening, starting at 7pm. Attendees can pick up leaflets, ask questions, and help HOOF develop their campaign.

In support of their new HOOF Facebook support page, 'Save The Forest Of Dean', which has garnered over 1,500 'likes' within a week of being launched, they are also asking members of the local community to make short video films to add to the site.

These can be made by video cameras, or mobile phones, and 'they may be simple or elaborate'.