Greens And Tories Respond To Forest Plans

The Green Party in Sunderland has responded to proposals by the government to sell existing publicly owned woods and forests to the private sector. Up to 2,500 square kilometres of land could enter private hands.

The National Trust last week said it would promise to play its part in protecting England’s woodland. The land in question is currently owned by the forestry commision. Under government proposals commercially valuable forests such as Kielder could be sold to timber companies.

Yesterday a rally was held in Cumbrian forest Grizedale over the plans. Campaigners fear that private owners could ban horses, cyclying and even dog walking. Lord Clark of Windermere used to be a chairman of the Forestry Commision, he said that the privatisation of forests would “lead to a serious reduction in access” to public forests.

Conservative councillor’s say the plans are necessary to deal with the budget deficit, however critics of the proposals say the government is just making excuses.

Spark FM’s Sam Willey spoke with Tom May representing the Green Party, who is also a College Lecturer and Tony Morrissey, a conservative councillor for the North.