SIR,
I am very concerned by reports that forests in the UK, including the Forest of Dean, may be sold off by the Coalition Government.
The UK is already distinguished by having far less woodland and forest cover than many other neighbouring European states.
My main objection to selling off forests is the fact that this is very likely to lead to further habitat fragmentation, i.e. species get trapped in smaller and smaller islands of vegetation.
This inevitably leads to their extinction in the smaller fragments.
I am also concerned that the Government does not seem to appreciate the many other services that forests provide to humans and to the wider environment in general.
This includes their role in flood prevention and health benefits from leisure activities.
The government has rushed to calm down opposition to the sell off, by offering 'consultation'.
The government also seems intent on selling off nature reserves and 25 leading conservation organisations have already condemned this policy.
There are even suggestions that the government is trying to 'dump' nature reserves on these groups without funding.
I believe that protecting and improving forests, including realising the potential of fast growing tree species for energy and creating low-impact tourism schemes, will need government support.
I oppose selling off forests and nature reserves and call upon everyone who values their local environment to write to their MP condemning these Coalition policies.
Chris Were
(Monmouth Green Party)