THE battle by local groups and individuals to stop the coalition's Forest sell-off plans in their tracks took its first steps with agreement to coordinate efforts for maximum impact.

On Wednesday this week there is a follow-up meeting to a gathering at Speech House on Saturday coinciding with the FERN bonfire.

The Wednesday meeting has the need for a coordinator, telephone number and address on its agenda together with efforts to coordinate with other areas of the country affected by the proposals.

On Saturday evening there was widespread anger about the proposed break-up of Forestry Commission woodlands.

Representatives of Dean Forest Voice and Friends of the Forest, local councillors and members of the audience stood up one after another to voice opposition and pledge support for action which included calls for a march on Parliament, the organisation of a petition (see letters this week) and asked all to write to MP Mark Harper on the subject.

Contrary to government assurances that current rights enjoyed in the Dean by the public at large and groups like the Commoners would be maintained, and that the quality of woodland management under the Forestry Commission would remain, speakers questioned how this could actually happen under disparate private interests.

They also questioned Mark Harper's suggestion that it was an ideal opportunity for local interests to buy into and control local woodlands.

The MP this week reiterated his support for the commitment and assurances given by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Caroline Spelman MP, to community ownership of forests.

Mr Harper said the plan "offers the exciting opportunity that the Forest of Dean could be run by a local not for profit organisation owned by local people and run for our benefit and on our behalf."

•Rockin' the Forest. There is the strong possibility of a Forest gig, bringing together local bands in a thrash opposed to the Forest sell-off. Keep an eye on your Review for details.

•The Review is hoping your MP, Mark Harper, will agree to answer a series of questions from readers about the implications and opportunities of a potential sell-off of public forestry. If you have a question you'd like to ask, send it to us via email revieweditor@ tindlenews.co.uk or by post to the Forest and Wye Valley Review, The Tindle Suite, Kings Buildings, Hill Street, Lydney, GL15 5HE.

•Hands off our Forest petitions are flooding into the Review. To sign up see page 15 of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Review , or via our website.