Public forests move a step closer to being saved

Dec 21 2011 by Jade Wright, Birkenhead News

THE Independent Forestry Panel, chaired by The Right Reverend James Jones Bishop of Liverpool, has recognised that there should be a “continuing role” for the nation’s woodlands – a view welcomed by Wirral conservationists.

The IFP, set up in the wake of a public outcry over the Government’s proposed sell-off of parts of the public forestry estate, said that the views have helped inform their interim report.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust currently manages a nature reserve in the heart of the publicly-owned Delamere Forest.

The trust’s director of conservation, Charlotte Harris, said: “Annual investment in our public forests that represents less than 1% of the current Housing and Environment budget is surely a commitment the Government can make to safeguard such a valued resource that provides physical and mental health benefits.”