CONCERNS have been raised by campaigners over the omission of the proposed Forestry Bill from Queen's Speech last week.

The speech gave details of the Government's plans for legislation in their last period before the next General Election.

In a statement by HOOF (Hands Off Our Forest) they said: "Forest of Dean campaign group Hands Off Our Forest is disappointed and puzzled that the Queen's Speech did not include a proposed draft Forestry Bill.

"The government has squandered its final opportunity to introduce legislation to give lasting protection to the Forest of Dean and other public woodlands in England - which are enjoyed by 40 million people annually.

"Our woodlands remain at risk from sell-off and other forms of disposal, including leasings and privatisation of forestry functions and amenities."

They also point out that the independent panel who were appointed to look into the proposed sales of woodlands and forests in the UK had reported strongly against the sell-off to the government: "The government has had two years to put into motion the clear recommendations of the appointed Independent Panel for Forestry, which were welcomed by ministers and forest campaigners alike. HOOF hopes the £900,000 spent on the Panel will not be wasted, and its advice will be followed and put into practice by the next Government."

HOOF is also now a member of a country-wide consortium of conservation pressure groups, called The Forest Campaigns Network, which has issued statements condemning the Government for missing the opportunity to protect forests against sales and potential privatisation.