Stortford LibDems Urge Public Involvement with Forestry Consultation
Following the launch of the Government's consultation on the future of the Public Forest Estate on January 27th, Bishops Stortford Lib Dems urged local people to get involved and express their opinions.
The plans could see a significant proportion of the Forestry Commission's woodlands transferred to the management or ownership of charities and community groups.
Local Lib Dem, Matt Harris, said, "Here in Stortford we have some great examples of charitable and community stewardship of woodlands right on our doorstep. On the North east side of town Birchanger wood is managed for the public good by a charitable trust, whilst Hatfield Forest has been in the care of the National Trust since 1924. However, it is important that this is a slow and careful process so that community groups are given all the support they need to take on the management of these woodlands and that all the necessary safeguards are in place to make sure they continue to be a public resource."
Given the opportunities and risks involved, we urge local people to get involved and check out some of the links below:
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-global/w-news/w-latest_news/w-news-save-our-forests.htm
ww2.defra.gov.uk/rural/forestry/
There is also a petition form on
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/tell-your-mp-to-save-our-forests