Saving the forests: summary of initiatives and campaigns

The proposed forest sell-off introduces a great deal of uncertainty about the future of this area. We’ve gathered here details of some of the ways that you can find out more and voice your concerns and will update the information in the coming weeks.

Press coverage has naturally tended to focus on the larger issues, such as conservation of the forests and the rights to roam and ride. In addition, here in Santon Downham there are of course also many detailed local changes that could follow on from a sell-off. For instance, if the Forestry Commission isn’t managing the forest, then would it still need an base here? If not, what would become of the building and other parts of the village under its ownership? Having the Forestry Commission’s regional HQ here brings benefits to the village both in terms of the economy and in its management of the local environment. Recreational areas such as High Lodge are also tremendous resources to have locally – how might they change if the forest is sold off?

Here are some of the links to information about the sell-off in general and Thetford Forest in particular.

The Friends of Thetford Forest Park campaign site http://saveourforests.fotfp.org.uk/

has a lot of information about its concerns and actions that can be taken.

The 38 degrees petition’s next target is to reach 500,000 signatures

http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/save-our-forests#petition

The petition text is:

"Save our forests - don't sell them off to the highest bidder"

    * Don't let private companies chop down our woodland.

    * Protect trees for the conservation of wildlife and the enjoyment of the public.

You can complete the government’s online public consultation survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/pfe-englandconsultation

The consultation material itself can be found at

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-8D3G4M

Contact your MP to tell them your views. The two local MPs for the forest area are Matthew Hancock (West Suffolk) and Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk).

http://www.matthewhancock.co.uk

matthew.hancock.mp@parliament.uk

http://www.elizabethtruss.com/

elizabeth.truss.mp@parliament.uk 

The two MPs don’t seem to be opposed to the sell-off in general but are campaigning for Thetford to be classified as a Heritage Forest. This would mean the forest being managed by a charitable trust. Details of the MP’s campaign  are at http://www.matthewhancock.co.uk/campaign/campaign-thetford-forest . The pages carries some good information about the importance Thetford Forest.

The National Trust http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-global/w-news/w-latest_news/w-news-save-our-forests.htm has said “If the government is determined to pursue the course of action it has outlined and the public wish us to, we are ready to play our part in giving them a secure future”. It welcomes views.

The Woodland Trust also has a petition – this one focused on saving the ancient forests.

http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/campaigning/save-ancient-forests/Pages/fc-disposals-act-now.aspx?WT.mc_id=fc