SOME 400 gathered for a torch-lit procession in the Forest of Dean as the House of Lords debated a controversial Bill.

The vigil at Mallard's Pike even got a mention during the debate on the Infrastructure Bill which opponents claimed could leave England's forests open to sell-off.

Owen Adams, the secretary of HOOF (Hands Off Our Forests) said: "I felt proud that as a community and as individuals we came up with such creative ways to show our passion and love for our Forest.

"There were 400 of us there on a cold evening, from all kinds of different backgrounds, all ages, all different persuasions, but united under the Hands Off Our Forest banner.

"We formed a ring of light around the lake and as the moon came into view, for some reason that can't really be explained, we howled at it – and the howl richocheted through the procession! This was one of a number of special moments.

"It was a short event, but in that time we felt such a sense of togetherness – a sense that humanity and nature trumps corporate gold-digging and the cold hand of government too.

"Later we heard Jan Royall, HOOF's incredible ambassador in Parliament triumphed in the Lords.

"We had the Bishop of St Albans, and Peers who were crossbench, Labour, Lib Dem and Tory all acknowledging that our forests are sacred and must be protected in law from ravaging developers.

"The government has now promised it will exempt forests from the Infrastructure Bill – a major U-turn and a major victory for not just Foresters, but the 40 million people who enjoy public forests across England every year."

In the Lords' debate Lord Phillips of Sudbury (LibDem) said: "Indeed there is a march going on at this very moment down in the West Country in the Forest of Dean about this Bill and the potential people think it brings for despoliation.

"People are deeply anxious in our wonderful country, which seems little by little to be being concreted over, developed and exploited, that we preserve and give special status to what forestry and woodland is left."