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Government to consult on sale of England's forests
29 October 2010
Commenting on reports today that the Government will later this year hold a public consultation over selling off Forestry Commission land in England, Friends of the Earth's Director of Policy and Campaigns Craig Bennett said:
"The Government claims its motivation behind these proposals is to increase community involvement in the management of woodlands and forests - but if its real intention is to sell off much loved sites to make a quick buck, its vision of a Big Society is somewhat questionable.
"Forests are worth less in hard cash to the Government than their value to the nation, which is priceless. A lot of Forestry Commission land is critically important for wildlife conservation, for regulating our climate and protecting us from flooding - as well as being beautiful places for us to enjoy.
"Friends of the Earth spent many years campaigning for strong legislation which should continue to protect our most important wildlife sites - whoever owns them.
"But all areas of woodland and countryside need careful management to maxmise their benefits for wildlife and people, and until the Government is able to show how this will be achieved in private hands, we think they should remain in public ownership."
ENDS
Notes to editor
1. For more information on this story, see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11653679
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Oct 2010
