Surrey Greens welcome Cameron’s forest U-turn

24 February 2011

Surrey Green Party is pleased to hear that the Government has decided to drop its controversial plans to sell-off 258,000 hectares of state-owned woodland across England, including Alice Holt Forest in Surrey.

The Government’s plans to privatise England’s forests in order to raise £250 million pounds over the next 10 years faced widespread criticism since it was introduced in the spending review in October. This decision marks the biggest U-turn by the Government since the General Election and the Green Party hopes this may encourage the Government to re-think other controversial policies.

Jonathan Essex, Green Councillor in Redhill said: “Selling the country's forests would harm biodiversity and prevent public access to beautiful, well-loved areas.

 

“It's fantastic that so many people have spoken up to protest against the Government's proposal. I hope that the coalition will also change other unpopular policies such as their cuts to care services provided by local councils.

“Now we can have a proper discussion about how best to manage our forests. Surrey is one of the most wooded counties in the UK – but are we using these resources effectively? For example, better management of woodland can deliver greater timber for UK use, and biomass fuel as a local sustainable energy source. “

FURTHER INFORMATION/INTERVIEWS

Jonathan Essex: 07801 541 924

Sarah Finch 07870 823485

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