Ministers 'planning woodland sell-off to tackle deficit'

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman is set to announce plans to sell around half the 1.85 million acres of woodland overseen by the Forestry Commission, according to a Sunday newspaper.

The paper said that the move would open the way to the commercial exploitation of the forests, with the development of holiday villages, golf courses and commercial logging operations.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed that the Government would be setting out its details of its "strategic approach" to forestry this autumn.

"We will ensure our forests continue to play a full role in our efforts to combat climate change, protect the environment and enhance biodiversity, provide green space for access and recreation, alongside seeking opportunities to support modernisation and growth in the forestry sector," a spokesman said.

Allan MacKenzie, the secretary of the Forestry Commission Trade Unions, warned that they would fight the sell-off.

"Once we've sold it, it never comes back. Once it is sold, restrictions are placed on the land which means the public don't get the same access to the land and facilities that are provided by the public forest estate," he told the newspaper.

"The current system means a vast amount of people can enjoy forests and feel ownership of them. It is an integral part of society."