WHILE Dave Harvey's letter (Review, December 27) tells us his opinions of the wonderful Forest of Dean, it also attempts to undermine members of Dean Forest Voice who strive to protect it.

Dave also asks "where is all the water coming from?" That's the kind of expedient remark we expect more from our politicians. For answers we look to climate changes and environmental pollution which really are starting to change weather patterns.

David Cameron has been telling people living in waterlogged communities that local councils should be held to account for their dire circumstances. However, is this not the same PM who boasts that they, the Conservatives, are the true green party?

At the same time, his Lords and parliamentarians are systematically impeding and destroying environmental organisations – Natural England for example.

The PM and Environment Secretary, Owen Paterson, are pushing for Andrew Sells to chair Natural England. According to The Guardian newspaper, Mr Sells is an investment banker and a Tory donor who has a background in accountancy and house building. There is hardly a Government-funded organisation left that is independent or not tied to delivering government directives.

Therefore, if we are to retain these wonderful woodlands to help us combat climate change and provide us with the air we breathe and pure water we all need, surely we also need an MP who is capable of maintaining a public forest and Forestry Commission.

At present, he and his cabal are bent on selling off local schools such as Five Acres, wildlife colleges like the Wilderness, and large tracts of forest land to be converted into building plots.

These people are a disgrace to the memory of those  Foresters who fought through the years, both politically and militarily, to preserve our statutory and ancient forests.

I would request Dave Harvey consider which side is he on.

There is no halfway house for wildlife, plants and humanity; the choice is simply between the sale of publicly-owned land  to speculators, or preserving our life-giving biodiversity for future generations.

Finally, let nobody be doubtful of the impact of climate change. I have spent a great deal of time on land slides, including land movement north of the Northern lake, and even over the four days over Christmas assisting residents from Upper Lydbrook and the superlative members of the fire-brigade, to channel torrents of flood water away from houses. Therefore along with Dean Forest Voice we are determined to continue protecting our way of life and ancient forest, in spite of those who choose to undermine our culture and heritage and green economy.

– Andrew Gardiner, Ruardean.