The Government provoked widespread opposition to its plans to sell off England's public forests
Campaigners will press for increased access to woodland as a Government-appointed panel makes its final visit to an English region before it prepares its recommendations.
The Ramblers said the Independent Panel on Forestry’s tour of East Anglia’s woods is important in an area without the traditional access areas afforded by mountain, moorland and downs.
The panel, headed by the Bishop of Liverpool, was set up by Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman in the wake of unprecedented opposition across the political spectrum to the coalition Government’s plans to sell off publicly owned forests in England.
It will visit East Anglia next Wednesday, and local Ramblers say they will stress the importance of local woods in the region.
A spokesperson said: “In East Anglia forests represent a valuable recreation resource for Ramblers as the region lacks the large areas of mountain, moor and downland which are available to walkers in other regions.
“In addition forests offer many other outdoor pursuits to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts who, if access were barred, would have to find new locations for their activities or cease these healthy activities. The Ramblers wish to see all woodland areas preserved and access to them improved.
Richard Tyson, area access officer for Suffolk Ramblers, said: “The early signs of a victory for the public forest estate are comforting, but we are eager to see continued commitment in the final report to all those who feel passionately that a walk in the woods is one of life’s simple pleasures, with an irreplaceable value.
“This is our last chance to make an impact and to impress upon the panel just how important access to our forests is.
“We want this to be a triumphant year for forests, and this currently lies in their hands. We urge the panel to remember walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts during their visit, and to know this is an issue we care passionately about.”
The Ramblers are urging the panel not only to consider the 18 per cent of woodland in England owned and managed by the Forestry Commission, but to recommend ways to increase access the other 82 per cent of forests in England.
