Massive sell-off of Forestry Commission land in England

[drjlinden]

If you fancy a bit of political activism then try this for a cause...
bike radar link

in many forests there is a "right to roam" for cyclists that could be lost under a normal "open access" agreement after sell off,

also the Forestry these days actively encourage cycling... this support could well be lost

 

[Fiona N]

This is also why it's a good idea to support facilities built by private forest and woodland owners. Llan Degla in the Welsh Borders is one such purpose-built mtb trail area in a privately owned forest. If landowners can see that this is a viable financial alternative to keeping out cyclists there are likely to be fewer problems. Of course, not selling off the publically owned, Forestry Commission-managed is the preferred option but best to be prepared for a worse case.

 

[henshaw11]

Equally it would be nice if the FC were a bit more supportive/consistent wrt the people that have helped the development of some of these sites. For example, the FC have effectively told the bunch at the Hub in Glentress to FOAD by doing the nice transparent thing of putting out to tender.
http://www.thesouthe...se_hub_1_407301
..completely missing the point that it's not just about being a business.

The same thing's happened before with the FC re trail development - 'you've built the trails, now f*** off because they'll never need any more work doing on them, will they ?'

 

[Fiona N]

As far as I understand - from Caroline Lucas herself - Scotland won't be affected by the Forestry Commission sell-off. Doesn't excuse the behaviour of the Scottish lot at Glen Tress though. I'm all for making the most of the existing facilities until they leave (2012 AFAIK) and spurning the new place - which starts up next year. I guess it's in the hands of the users - especially locals and regulars - to make their displeasure known.