turkish van
Number 1 celebrity badger
So after the days of press and speculation, Defra has today released a statement confirming plans to sell off Forestry Commission land in England.
According to the Government,
"We will not compromise the protection of our most valuable and biodiverse forests. Full measures will remain in place to preserve the public benefits of woods and forests under any new ownership arrangements. Tree felling is controlled through the licensing system managed by the Forestry Commission, public rights of way and access will be unaffected, statutory protection for wildlife will remain in force and there will be grant incentives for new planting that can be applied for. "
But who actually has much faith left in them...
The positive side is this could be a great opportunity for more land and woodlands to be well managed in the hands of conservation groups or like-minded bodies and individuals. Let's hope we don't lose too much of what's left to private businesses with other priorities.
Petition against the plans started a few days ago is here: http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/save-our-forests#petition .
According to the Government,
"We will not compromise the protection of our most valuable and biodiverse forests. Full measures will remain in place to preserve the public benefits of woods and forests under any new ownership arrangements. Tree felling is controlled through the licensing system managed by the Forestry Commission, public rights of way and access will be unaffected, statutory protection for wildlife will remain in force and there will be grant incentives for new planting that can be applied for. "
But who actually has much faith left in them...
The positive side is this could be a great opportunity for more land and woodlands to be well managed in the hands of conservation groups or like-minded bodies and individuals. Let's hope we don't lose too much of what's left to private businesses with other priorities.
Petition against the plans started a few days ago is here: http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/save-our-forests#petition .
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