BELOW is a copy of my letter to Mark Harper MP.

"I write to express my strong opposition to any sale of Forestry Commission land. 

I note that the Government states that 'only' 18 per cent of forested land in the UK is currently managed by the Commission, as if this was an excuse for the sale of more forest into private hands.  In fact, this is rather a shocking figure and should only reinforce the view that no more forests should be taken out of public ownership.

In regard to the Forest of Dean and its immediate surrounds, the most serious issue at this time is the proposed Public Bodies Bill which appears to be being rushed through Parliament.  This Bill is the thin edge of the wedge, allowing sale by stealth should it be enacted, giving as it does such wide-ranging powers to the Secretary of State to change the management and even ownership of our forests. 

To this point your response has only been to reassure Foresters that there would be no changes to all the benefits we, and thousands of visitors, currently enjoy in the Forest.  This is either naive or plain misleading on at least two points:

Firstly, this may possibly be the intention where the Statutory/forest is concerned, but there are wonderful areas such as along the Wye Valley – surely one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world – which do not have the protection that the Statutory Forest to date enjoys.

Secondly, if parts of the Forest and surrounding areas are sold into private ownership there is no way that these owners will not restrict access – if they are developed into resorts or golf courses (Heaven forbid), then access can only be to those paying to use such facilities; if they are logged, then no doubt 'public safety' will be cited as a valid cause for restricting access.  And of course, even if the public were allowed access, these owners would have no motivation to make access user-friendly, for example by maintaining pathways and picnic sites.

I fail to see how the government can state that it "remains committed to the continued conservation of biodiversity and other public benefits which forests and woodland provide" while at the same time washing its hands of their management.

You have also emphasised that public consultation will take place and urged people to participate. If the current Bill goes through unamended, any public consultation will be too late as the only things we will be publicly consulted on are "critical" issues such as whether Mallards Pike Lake becomes a golf course or a holiday resort. 

You must see the huge and rapid public opposition which has arisen since this became public. The Forest has ancient and unique traditions which would be lost forever should this Bill be allowed to go through.  For the sake of future generations I urge you to do what we elected you to do and represent the interests and views of your constituents."

– Cheryl Mayo, Brains Green, Blakeney.