COUNTY and parish councillor Andrew Gardiner was amazed when he learned a new belt of trees was to be planted just below 'one of the most important viewpoints in the Forest'.
And he was further shocked to learn the planting had been approved by the Forestry Commission, the County Council and the Forest of Dean District Council – even though the growth will obscure both the views and a new beacon placed by the local community.
These approvals mean the farmer who has already planted some of the expected five rows of trees will actually win a Woodland Grant for the costs.
"My concerns are for the hilltop cottages and the beacon site at Ruardean Hill which local inhabitants have invested so much time and effort in," said Councillor Gardiner.
"The views off Ruardean Hill are both long and shallow, therefore the beech trees along the boundary of Walkers farm need only grow a few feet high to negate the work of the local community."
He said the encouragement given by the Forestry Commission, which was advising the farmer, seemed strange when even a small wall proposed at Symonds Yat, which they manage, was thrown out.
Odder, the commission's 'wing', Forest Enterprise, was actually helping Ruardean people put pointers at the viewpoint and site the beacon.
The county council had done no more than consult its archaeology department, which took no account of amenity values, and the district council was checking its records over its own part in the proceedings.
Meanwhile Mr Gardiner has talked with the new owners of Walkers Farm who he says have been "extremely helpful".
He has also written to Robert Spence of the Forestry Commission in Coleford highlighting what is at stake.
Mr Spence said he had passed the comments to his managers, but agreed they had approved the tree planting.
"There is no legislation to stop a landowner planting trees. Perhaps Mr Gardiner can work out some arrangement with the farmer," he said.
Mr Gardiner says: "The beacon facility is of national importance and the view, from the highest point of the Dean, should be guaranteed for future generations."