Woodlands Under Threat

There is something magical about a woodland walk; a simple pleasure enjoyed by old and young alike. However current government proposals, which have been outlined, will not protect public access to England's woods.The proposals could lead to 50% of Forestry Commission land in England being sold on the open market with no guarantees that current levels of access will be maintained.

Such a loss would be devastating and the Ramblers is urging MPs to highlight the huge public benefits that access to the nation's forests can bring. The current government proposals fail to meet the charity's five key tests (see below) for maintaining and enhancing public access to England's woods and under these conditions no Forestry Commission land should be sold.

We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with the Forestry Commission who have not only developed a sound management plan for each forest, but also provided recreational facilities for the public. Indeed, in 2005, the Forestry Commission dedicated all their freehold woodland as Open Access Land. This means that all pedestrians have the right to roam within the forest. Where land has subsequently been sold, this right of access continues with the new ownership. Indeed this public access provision is shown on Ordnance Survey maps.

One of our concerns with the proposed sale of Forestry Commission land is that a new private owner may be less sympathetic to the public who have this legal right of access.

This certainly seems to be the case at Woodhouse Copse, near Whippingham. This is a 45 acre ancient woodland site which was sold by the Forestry Commission last year.  The Isle of Wight Ramblers has received a report that the public has been forbidden entry. 

The sale of Forestry Commission land must be stopped. Our woodland heritage is precious.  In France, Germany and Austria the woodland coverage throughout the country is 30-40%, but the UK has just 5% woodland.   Much of the UK woodland is already in private hands, often with little or no access to the public.

The Ramblers five keys tests which the government should meet before any sale of Forestry Commission land is agreed are as follows:

1. Public rights of way and access land are properly managed.
2. No sale or transfer is completed until the purchaser has committed to preserving and maintaning access.
3. Where access is currently not secured in law, this is remedied through CROW act dedication.
4. Public access is maontained and enhanced.
5. The local community is consulted and given the opportunity to play a full and active part in woodland management, including first-refusal on purchase.