Julian Glover displays his ideological credentials (If nationalising forestry was a disaster, an unthinking sell-off would be worse, 24 January) and inadvertently exposes the Tory forestry sell-off policy for what it is: unthought out, undemocratic and unnecessary. He says the state should not be involved in running forests. Why? There is no reason why the state should not run forests as the state does in many countries.
The Forestry Commission does a good job of balancing the environmental, economic and leisure aspects of our forests. In Ennerdale forest, the commission has softened the impact of commercial forestry. Changing forestry policy and acting on it is a long-term project that requires careful management and co-ordination. There is no guarantee that a piecemeal sell-off will continue this co-ordination and balancing of needs. It is just as likely to lead to more ugly, commercial monoculture that is environmentally and spiritually degrading. The Conservative manifesto makes no mention of selling off our forests. No one has voted on this proposal ? a major change to ownership of our assets. It has not been adequately debated or mandated. It is undemocratic and flawed, and should be withdrawn or voted out this week.
Les Tocknell
Ross-on -Wye, Herefordshire
? This week the Lords is due to consider an amendment to the public bodies bill, which is intended to save the Royal Forest of Dean from its worst excesses. This forest is unique because, despite encroachments within the statutory forest boundary and assarts that go back almost 1,000 years, the community has never acquired rights within it. Without these rights, those who live in the Forest of Dean are, as the late Lord McNair said, "uniquely disadvantaged and therefore uniquely endangered" by a power of disposal. Foresters rely on customary privileges, and it is because of the Forestry Commission's respect for these that inhabitants and visitors are able to enjoy recreational activities and the running of sheep. In 1981, parliament recognised the uniqueness of the Forest of Dean and exempted from the power of disposal (granted the minister by Section 2 of the Forestry Act 1967, as amended) land within it used for afforestation and for purposes connected to forestry. It is the only forest to enjoy such exemption. Supporters of clause 17 say the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 will protect traditions if the forest is sold. But the act falls well short of what the Forestry Commission has traditionally permitted.
Alan Robertson
St Briavels, Gloucestershire
? Sir Harold Macmillan mused about a previous Tory administration: "First, all the Georgian silver goes, and then all that nice furniture that used to be in the saloon." Are we now selling off the garden?
Jim Grogan
Maidstone, Kent
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jan/25/forest-sell-off-debate
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