PROPOSALS to sell publicly-owned forests have been condemned by environmental groups and individuals concerned that vast areas of natural beauty will be lost to future generations.

Opposition had grown to the Government’s proposals to transfer ownership of woodland, including Dalby, Cropton, Wykeham and Gilling, following the launch of a public consultation last Thursday.

Key proposals include inviting charitable organisations to take on ownership or management and creating opportunities for community groups to buy or lease forests.

Julie Hepworth, chairman of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England’s Ryedale branch, said she urged everyone to look at the consultation document.

She said: “At the CPRE we are asking for cast iron guarantees that future generations will be able to enjoy and have access to the same wooded landscape and wildlife that we know today.

“We will be asking that there will be a clear long-term guarantee that any change in woodland ownership will not undermine the quality of the landscape and the diversity of wildlife, and people’s ability to get out and enjoy the forests.

“It is not very clear how the possibility of leasing to community groups and charities will work and one wonders if there are many communities which are robust enough to take this on.”

John Gibbs, chairman of the Friends of Dalby Forest, said it was vital the area was not broken up and sold to the private sector.

He said: “We will be getting involved and putting our views forward and I would invite anyone who would like to get involved to join us as members and give us a greater voice.

“We are extremely concerned as to what will happen to access if these forests are sold.”

Retired wildlife officer Brian Walker, who worked for the Forestry Commission for 34 years, said he had concerns over the environmental impact of any sell-off.

“We are being told about the ‘Big Society’ but actually the Forestry Commission already operates under that framework and I cannot see how a private estate with investment concerns would consult on particularly environmental issues in the same way.

“At the moment the Forestry Commission provides access and has incredibly goodwill with experts including naturalists, botanists and historians who are given permits to carry out special surveys which many private landowners won’t do.

“One area has around 26 species of butterflies on it because it is managed properly.”

Anyone who wants to take part in the consultation should visit www.defra.gov.uk

To find out more about the Friends of Dalby Forest and to become a member visit www.friendsofdalbyforest.org.uk