A GROUP of concerned residents has handed in a petition to 10 Downing Street protesting about urbanisation and the creation of unsuitable recreational facilities in the Forest of Dean.

The protesters, accompanied by Forest MP Diana Organ, also laid a giant wreath at the Downing Street barrier in protest at the loss of the Forest's peace and tranquillity.

The 2,000-name petition calls for a stop on the construction of recreational cycleways and an urgent review of the current cycleway network, which residents say pose a major threat to Forest wildlife.

Dr Mary Stubbs, a zoologist, said she was very concerned about the effect of spreading cycle paths on animal life.

"While some animals may seem untroubled by noise and disturbance many cannot withstand the destruction and segmentation of their habitat.

"The Forest of Dean is already segmented by busy roads, and the cycleways make their habitats even smaller, allowing and encouraging access to previously undisturbed wildlife areas."

Protest co-ordinator Keith Parker of Cannop said: "I would like to see wilderness areas and connecting wilderness corridors for wildlife being developed.

"Human activities should be directed away from these areas and there should be as little disturbance as possible so that they become sanctuaries for wildlife.

"The welfare of the Forest must come first and all developments should have the conservation of the Forest as the overriding priority."

The residents have formed a group, the Friends of the Forest of Dean, to fight plans by the Forest of Dean District Council and Forest Enterprise to continue work on present cycleways and extend the system, claiming that the cycleway scheme unfairly avoids a planning examination before going ahead.

"The Forest of Dean is held in trust for the nation and the Friends of the Forest of Dean wish to ensure that the present rapid environmental degradation is reversed for the benefit of future generations," said Mr Parker.