Communities pledge fails to quell forests sell-off fears

After weeks of rumours, the Government confirmed that leaseholds for commercially valuable woodland currently managed by the Forestry Commission could be sold to timber companies and well-known "heritage" woods such as the New Forest transferred to charities.

Communities, charities and even local authorities have been promised first chance to buy or lease other woods like Dalby Forest in North Yorkshire, as Ministers seek to quell fears over access rights.

But if they cannot put together a suitable bid, commercially-valuable forests will be offered on 150-year leases, which will allow the Government to impose conditions to protect public access and even order that ancient woodland should be restored to its former glory.

Although the details contained in yesterday's consultation documents – such as offering land on leasehold rather than freehold – eased some fears, groups like the Campaign to Protect Rural England said there were still many questions which remained unanswered.

Concerns are mounting that community groups, such as the Friends of Hagg Wood which was set up in 1996 and has 100 members who look after 107 acres of woodland at Dunnington, near York, will have to be disbanded without the support of the commission.

The chairman of the Friends of Hagg Wood, Dr David Mayston, said: "The proposals in the consultation document are quite unrealistic. Volunteer community woodland groups need the support of an organisation like the Forestry Commission to function effectively.

"The Government should not be seeking to sell off local community woodland. If it proceeds with this current plan, the Government will simply undermine existing community groups."

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said she hoped the plans would prove many people's fears unfounded.

"State control of forests dates back to the First World War, when needs were very different," she said. "There's no reason for the Government to be in the business of timber production and forest management."

About 15 per cent of public forests are already being sold off to raise an estimated 100m, although the conditions will now be tightened.

Yesterday's consultation deals with the remaining 85 per cent of woodland, and the Government believes it could make 250m from the changes.

The plans for local people to have first offer on woodland are in line with plans for a Community Right to Buy, which will see people able to put together bids to run local services which are under threat.