THE much-heralded public consultation document (White Paper) on the future of the Forestry Commission Public Estate is expected to be published within days, and it principally asks for input on up to five pre-set options.

The Review understands work is still underway to polish the document before it is released and the number of options may change – however it appears obvious that maintaining the status quo is not on the table.

And rather than seeking views on the fundamental issue of whether or not Forestry land should be moved into private or trust ownership, it instead asks people and organisations to pass comment on the set of options. This opens the likelihood the Government will eventually go ahead with whichever of the options wins the beauty contest.

The Review has seen a leaked version of the document in which the current options are:

1. Open market sale.

2. Mixed transfer including private ownership.

3. Creation of a mutual or charitable 'not for profit' organisation to run small or large parts of the estate.

4. Retention of public ownership with private/voluntary sector management.

5. Private sector single or multiple joint ventures.

On the thorny issue of access it is once again stated that public rights of way and amenity assets will be maintained. The fact the Dean has few proscribed rights of way with unwritten historic general access (for grazing animals as well as people) is not addressed.

A consultation period of 12 weeks is recommended ahead of introducing a bill this spring (probably April), although once passed, the Public Bodies Bill currently under discussion contains enabling legislation that could allow Forestry land to be sold without reference to any special status for the Forest of Dean.

The Review has asked Forest MP Mark Harper to comment on the contents of the consultation document and its implications but no reply had been received at the time of going to press. The MP has however steadfastly maintained that Foresters have nothing to fear in the woodlands management proposals, heralded as part of the Coalition's Big Society aspirations.