Also interesting to note that existing charities aren't falling over themselves with excitement at the thought of suddenly getting a shedload of other properties to manage:
http://tonywhitbread.blogspot.com/2011/02/forestry-commission-sell-off-1.html
Well the horse magazines are pushing it in the news
Come on Singletrack get it on the news page.
Oh and more public land, the NNRs are up for sale next as well
Just wrote to my MP too - will see what they have to say! Talks of U-turns in the papers today, but I don't trust that at all.
Edit: typo.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/feb/11/english-forest-sell-off-on-hold
seems you are all right, the robbing tories are doing everything they can to sell our forests and line their pockets.
be involved in the public consultation or have no voice - you have a choice.
read the article carefully, this is nothing to do with the proposal, this is woodland that was already earmarked for disposal. The sale of woodland has been going on in a piecemeal manner for years. If the government hadn't tried to sell the lot in one go this sale would have gone through. It is only because there actions have actually alerted people to what happens that they have had to stall the sale.
I believe that this sale will happen but that a few caveats will be put in place. The question is then who ensures the rules aren't bent or broken after the sale. The government will then be able to say look we have sold this little bit off with rules and then proceed with the full sale.
I believe that this sale will happen but that a few caveats will be put in place
If this happens but current access is either continued, or even bettered, then it could be a good thing.
The worrying thing is that this is the Tories. My fear is that their banking mates (who are now getting lovely tax breaks - thanks for that George) will be the only parties with the funds to buy them, and I don't see them wanting to share.
As put on the other thread:
My MP responded by merely telling me to do the consultation. I have read it and indeed it starts from the assumption that the proposal is good and asks very guided questions about details of undertaking that process;
I will complete it and then revert to my MP with a list of questions that I feel were not covered. These include:
- The exact policy covering permissive ROW;
- If these are to be upheld, how will they be enforced?
- What happens if all these trusts and charities are not forthcoming / deemed to be unable to lease and manage the lands / don't have the cash etc?
And probably a load more that I can't remember right at this moment.
Pimpmaster - this has nothing to do with banks.
The other danger, if it hasn't already been said, is that the Woodland Trust might get hold of some of the FC forests. Then we will be truly shafted. Private ownership might be the better option.
ononeorange - It is inasmuch as they are onto a winner under this government (the one trying to sell off woodland). Have you been reading the news recently?
I don't normally get too involved in politics, but after the subject of this thread arose I have been following the news more closely, and I'm finding the way we're being treated offensive.
Yes. And I also disagree with the cosying up to Murdoch for instance, but he being a potential winner under the government has nothing to do with the forestry argument either.
My point is that we should stick to the forestry argument and put forward related arguments that are based in fact if we are to be taken seriously. Dragging in unrelated arguments not based in fact is a certain way to get ignored.
I e-mailed my MP Guy Opperman (Cons - Hexham) along with 300 others. He spoke in the house expressing reservations about the plans (biodiversity and access in particular) then hid from the whips and abstained. I'm not sure that not voting isn't the best I can expect from a new boy in the Commons.
Apparently the National Trust have told the government not to sell the ancient woodland in Kielder and they've caved in. Parts was already under offer - so the equivalent acreage is being sold elsewhere! So the sell off is already happening as are huge job losses at the FC in Northumberland.
I will be registering my views here : http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate.consult/index.htm
My point is that we should stick to the forestry argument and put forward related arguments that are based in fact if we are to be taken seriously. Dragging in unrelated arguments not based in fact is a certain way to get ignored.
Point taken and apologies. I'm struggling to control my seething. 
Cheers Pimpy, apologies too if I was a bit snotty. Hnadbags down! Gosh this is turning into a love-in!
Anyone doing this? We are driving up on Saturday so might not make it on time for the ride but will be attending the demo on bikes at 1
At PMQ's today Mr Cameron seems to have killed the sell-off. The environment secretary looked a little unhappy.
Important bit is at 12:14
This topic has been closed to new replies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
