Minister: "We got it wrong" on forests

Outdoor headlines

17 February 2011 16:03

The Government has today shelved plans to sell off state-owned parts of England's forest estate, following a massive public outcry against the idea.
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman today told MPs: "I'm sorry. We got this one wrong."
But she added that the Government would set up an independent panel to consider the future of forestry policy, and critics fear the plans may resurface in some form.
She added: "It is quite clear from the early responses to the consultation that the public and many MPs are not happy with the proposals we set out.
"If there is one clear message from this experience, it is that people cherish their forests and woodlands and the benefits they bring.
"My ambition to provide a better future for our forests is undiminished."
Over half a million people signed an online petition against plans to dispose of the forest estate under David Cameron's "Big Society" idea.
Thousands gathered at rallies in the Lake District and the Forest of Dean to protest against the plans, while celebrities including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Judi Dench and rock star Annie Lennox wrote to the Government to call for a rethink.
Rachel Johnson, president of Save England's Forests and sister of London Mayor Boris, said: "It's really good news - but we'd like the coalition to take this opportunity to look at the countryside as a whole and will be pushing for the forest estate to be included in a review of the management, preservation and improvement of green spaces throughout England."
Pressure group Save Lakeland's Forests says it will go ahead with another rally planned for this Saturday at Whinlatter Forest Park in the Lake District, starting at 1pm. Spokesman Mike Morton said people still needed to make themselves heard to ensure the Government made no further attempts to sell publicly-owned forests.
* Look out for a full story in the next issue of Country Walking magazine.