THE 38-degrees pressure group is circulating members and asking them to sign a new petition after fears of what they say is a behind-the-scenes plan to sell off Britain's woodlands.

"We may have less than a week to stop them and keep our forests safe for future generations," 38-degrees writes in an email to supporters.

"Next week the Government's Forest Panel will publish a new report on the future of our woodlands. Rumours are circulating that some panel members want to clear the way for a fresh sell-off.

"We've got a few days to persuade the rest of them to block this new threat to our beautiful woodlands."

The Forest of Dean HOOF (Hands Off Our Forest) campaign was instrumental in blocking the recent Government intention to privatise Forestry Commission woodlands in this area – leading to the appointment of the Forestry Panel to re-appraise the issue and report.

38-degrees promises that a new online petition will be delivered urgently to all Panel members before next Wednesday, giving the link https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/keep-our-woods-safe">https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/keep-our-woods-safe

The petition already has some 16,500 signatures.