Rotherham MPs attack woodland sell-off plans

OPPOSITION MPs are calling on the Government to reconsider plans to sell off swathes of woodland to the highest bidder.

The coalition has already committed to taking 15 per cent of public forestry out of state control and the Public Bodies Bill invites a range of management options for the rest.

Rother Valley MP Kevin Barron said: “Many people are concerned by the Government’s plans to rush through the sale of our national forests with no guarantees over their funding or public access.

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“Most woodland in England is already in private hands. We need to keep our public forests open for everyone and ensure that they remain in place for future generations to enjoy.

“There are 21,800 hectares of Forestry Commission land in the Yorkshire and Humber region and 93 hectares in the Rother Valley.

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“These are well-used, much loved local woods. I want the Government to listen to the protests and think again.”

The bill, currently being discussed in the House of Lords, has attracted a 360,000-signature petition—the largest campaign since the General Election.

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Rotherham MP Denis MacShane said: “Rotherham is home to some of the most fantastic and breathtaking forests and woodland that I’ve ever seen.

“As a keen walker, I regularly take advantage of the public right of access. When my children were younger, one of the highlights of staying in Rotherham was the easy access to woods and forests.

“The Tory-led Government see a mass sell-off of our treasured national forests as a quick money-spinner, but I have huge concerns about the plan.

“I would hate to see areas like Treeton Woods, or Scholes or Canklow Woods closed off to future generations.

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“I believe it is vital that our local children have the same opportunity that my children did to explore their natural surroundings.”

Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State for Environment, said the Government will consider the benefits of moving the ownership or management and that the proposals will protect heritage forests for future generations.