MADAM,
With regard to the recent letters you have published on forestry felling policies it seems to me that in the final analysis it is not unreasonable for decisions in commercial woodlands to be taken for commercial reasons - with environmental and amenity issues of necessity subservient to economic considerations.
If there were no alternatives to that situation we might all have cause for concern - but we are fortunate in this area in that significant steps are already being taken to ensure that as much as possible of our local ancient natural woodland is preserved purely on environmental and amenity grounds. Put simply there continue to be opportunities for us to influence our local landscape for the better.
I am referring to the work of the Woodland Trust, which already has large holdings in the area - eg much of the Doward, Priory Grove, Cadora and Bigsweir Woods. The Trust exists to prevent further loss of native ancient woodland and to restore and improve the biodiversity of woodland and people's awareness and enjoyment of it. (Currently it has over 1000 sites nationally with free access to the majority of them.)
Much of the Trust's work in existing woods involves clearing conifer plantations and replanting with UK native (mainly broadleaved) species. At the moment it is seeking to do just that for yet another wood in the Monmouth area - Beaulieu Wood on the Kymin. Beaulieu is old woodland overplanted with conifers about 40 years ago. Any restorative work will have to be done quickly since, if left much longer, the conifers will sterilise the woodland floor, preventing the return of natural flora and fauna.
The Trust needs to raise £223,000 by 30th April 2001 to buy and manage the wood (in perpetuity). Much of this is likely to be raised through grants and the Trust's own resources - but there is a shortfall of £10,000 and, as many of your readers may already be aware, the Trust has launched a local appeal for this sum. Pledges only are being sought at this stage - to be redeemed only if the Trust successfully raises the balance from the other sources.
Although I have no official position with the Woodland Trust other than as an ordinary member, if any of your readers would like more detail about the appeal they are welcome to contact me on (01600) 860495. I will be only too happy to answer simple questions about the appeal and/or facilitate contact with an official representative of the Trust.
Bill Butler
Broadstone,
Catbrook