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Living Heritage Threat
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Edited Dec 03, 2010, 10:01
Re: Living Heritage Threat
Dec 03, 2010, 10:00
The Sea Cat wrote:
I decided to post this here rather than next door as I think it does fit the remit, sadly. As one of the many who finds beauty and inspiration in the living heritage of our ancient woodlands, this is deplorable.


http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-plans-huge-selloff-of-britains-forests-2115631.html


Apologies in advance if something similar to this has already been posted; here is the letter of response by the Ramblers Association to the above issue.

Ramblers urge government to protect access to British woodland

4 November 2010

Today (4 November), Britain’s walking charity seeks assurances from the government that the sale of Forestry Commission land will only go ahead if public access is guaranteed.

Whilst not all land accessed by the public must be publically owned, it is vital that any sale of Forestry Commission land be carefully managed, with public access as a top priority, the Ramblers warns. The change in ownership of Forestry land need not be negative, particularly if it enables community groups to take a more active involvement in their local woodland, but it is imperative that everyone’s ability to continue to access and enjoy British woodland is at the forefront of any sale agreement.

Today the Ramblers highlights five key criteria which it urges the government to meet before any sale of Forestry Commission land is considered. The criteria are that:

1) Public access is maintained and enhanced.
2) Public rights of way and access land are properly managed.
3) No sale or transfer is completed until the purchaser has committed to preserving and maintaining access.
4) Where access is currently not secured in law, this is remedied through CROW act dedication¹.
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.

These moves would ensure that we could all continue to benefit from visiting and enjoying British woodland without hindrance or difficulty and protect the right to access these forests for future generations.

Tom Franklin, Ramblers Chief Executive, says:
“There is nothing more reviving than a walk through British woodland in the autumn. Who owns the land is not as important as how they are managed and the fact that public access to our forests is preserved.

“We are seeking assurances from government that guaranteed public access will be a prerequisite of any sale so that we can all continue to enjoy a woodland walk, and that the right to access British forests will be protected for future generations.”

Notes to editors:
1. Under section 16 of The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 any land can be dedicated as open access land giving the public the right of access on foot. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/section/16

Justin Cooke
Senior Policy Officer
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