Government plans to sell-off public forests could affect future of Mortimer Forest

Locally, Mortimer Forest near Ludlow – a 1000 hectare stretch of woodland – could end up in part being sold to private parties or passed into the hands of local community groups and charities.

Forestry Commission trade union representative for PCS (Public and Commercial Services), Steve Holdsworth, who covers the Ludlow area, told the Advertiser the public was not being consulted properly over the plans, echoing concerns raised by the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

“Keeping the status quo is not one of the options available,” he said.

“From our research we know around 85 per cent of the public wants it left alone, so to call this a consultation is slightly mischevious and extremely disappointing.”

Mr Holdsworth called the plans “rushed”.

“We don’t know if it’s going to go to the highest bidder, or community groups will manage it, but people will be concerned about access.”

Although the current public footpaths in the forest are guaranteed to remain, Mr Holdsworth said this would not be the case for car parking or bicycles, and added people should be “very concerned”.

He added that Forestry Commission staff were “devastated” at the plans.

“At the moment we have the experience and expertise in managing the woodland and the public are consulted fully on any proposals,” he said.

The government wants to raise between £150 to £250 million over the next 10 years with the sell-off.

The plan provides for charitable trusts to run so-called heritage woodlands.

Woodland expert, and environmental consultant David Lovelace, says concerns over the proposals are misplaced.

“The FC has converted a high proportion of native woodlands into plantation monocultures, mostly conifers. The vast majority of ancient woodland restoration has been carried out by private woodland owners or conservation bodies,” he said.