THANK you to all HOOF supporters, those who marched, those who have murals painted on their houses, our friends in other forests in the House of Lords and all the unseen people who volunteer and work tirelessly for HOOF.

On November 5, 400 of us were in the middle of the woods on a cold and clear moonlit night. A night not only illuminated by lanterns representing woodland creatures, but hundreds of lights and torches reflected on the lake at Mallards Pike.

Also reflected was the fire, passion and warmth in all Foresters' hearts when we join together to protect our Forest.

At exactly the same time, Lords were debating and one Lord (Lord Phillips of Sudbury) mentioned our procession and also quoted from one of the many letters he received – tangible proof that our collective efforts weren't in vain.

After a series of brilliant speeches from House of Lords members across the political spectrum and crossbenchers supporting (Baroness) Jan Royall's amendment, the government performed a last-minute U-turn and promised to introduce its own amendment to exempt our Forest and all the public forest estate from Clause 21 of the Infrastructure Bill.

This is the second Lords victory for HOOF – in February 2011 we succeeded in overturning the forest disposal elements of the Public Bodies Bill.

Now, if the Government is true to its word – and why wouldn't it be? – it seems that on the Third Reading of the Infrastructure Bill, just before it heads into the Commons, our forests will be excluded.

The arguments put forward by Peers articulated those they received in many letters and emails from HOOF supporters, and in an incredible 24-hour tour de force from 150,000-plus 38 Degrees petitioners.

The last few weeks have been frantic for those involved in the HOOF campaign and our supporters in Westminster. HOOF has been working closely with our friends in other Forests and other campaigning organisations.

It very much seems that all the hard work has paid off. We have achieved victory, if the government keeps its word.

The work of HOOF will not be finished, however, until we succeed in obtaining legislation which protects our Forests from disposal.

That legislation did not come forward in this Parliament despite all our hard work and a four-year wait.

HOOF are told it was "due to lack of time". To quote a famous Baroness: "What a hoot!"

Thank you everyone for your kind and continuing support.

– Rich Daniels, Chairman, HOOF (Hands of Our Forest).