A MAN who lives at Mile End has come up with a novel way to help save the Forest form the proposed sell-off – he suggests we all (especially children) adopt a lord!

Karl Greenfield says all you need is an envelope, pen and paper, the name of a member of the House of Lords, and a photo of a part of the Forest that is special to you.

"There are 780 Lords, and if we got individuals, families and children, to write to each one of them asking for an amendment to the bill exempting the Forest of Dean enclosing a picture with a line scribbled on the back telling them why that part of the Forest is special to them, then maybe we could get it. Then we will have won!"

However, it will work best if a coordinator with a list of Lords makes sure all are written to.

Karl adds: "The Lords are all pretty old so many have grandchildren and those that don't will have had grandparents. They can't all have hearts of stone."

He has himself written to the House of Lords on the subject but fears his letter alone won't sway anyone. It reads:

"I am a resident of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. This is an area which is currently awash with anger at the Public Bodies Bill's potential to allow the sale and consequent destruction of our beloved ancient Forest. Our MP seems to have deserted us.

"We are a community that has been embedded within and have lived alongside the Forest since time immemorial. We have enjoyed privileges for over 1,000 years, privileges which are not protected by law.

"I am sure that I speak for the vast majority of Foresters when I say we value her ABOVE money and politics.

"I would urge all members of the House of Lords to amend the bill, exempting the Forest of Dean from its powers. We want to keep the Forest as it is – managed as one entity by the Forestry Commission.

"Please save our people of all ages from the heartache, worry and struggle of prolonged and escalating further battles to protect her, as we have done for hundreds of years, by amending the bill."