FOREST scientist, Gabriel Hemery, says he has received leaked documents detailing the options the government is considering for the future of the public forests.

He says the options circulated to a small number of outside bodies amount to five.

(1) An open market sale – in other words, sale to the highest bidder. Indicative earnings being £650m over 10 years.

(2) Mixed transfer including targetted ownership. This meaning the sale of 'sensitive areas' to interested parties such as local community groups or conservation organisations. Sale of less sensitive areas on the open market. Earnings, £600m over 10 years.

(3) Creation of a mutual 'not for profit' organisation to run large or small parts of the estate. Earnings nil, cost of creation and transition to the government, about £1.5m

(4) Retention of public ownership with private or voluntary sector management. Possible earnings of £390m over a number of years.

(5) Private sector single or multiple joint ventures. This is based on the Forestry Commission forming partnerships with one or more private sector organisations. Earnings low to start with and likely costs to the government for transition of about £50m.