Last week hundreds of local people braved the cold and rain to gather in Chopwell Wood. They have united to tell the government loudly and clearly that Chopwell Wood is not for sale. I had to be in Westminster that day but sent them a strong message of support.
This Conservative-Liberal Democrat government is introducing legislation to give themselves the power to sell-off our forestry estate. But before it becomes law they are consulting on how to "divest" the nation's forests. This is a fancy way of saying getting rid of the forests and woodlands run for our benefit by the Forestry Commission, including our own Chopwell Wood.
I've a massive postbag from constituents who passionately oppose the sell-off of our woodland and Chopwell Wood. Constituents who walk their dogs, run, cycle, ride horses or who just enjoy being with their families in the fresh air in a beautiful and safe environment. Others worry about the impact on the environment and the increasing biodiversity of our woodland.
So this week, in Parliament, I and other Labour MPs will force the government into debating these plans. I will be taking copies of local letters and e-mails telling this government that Chopwell Wood and the rest of our forestry estate must not be privatised. Once again, the Tories and the LibDems show that they know the price of everything but the value of nothing.
The Friends of Chopwell Wood, its Horse Riding Association, North East Freeride Association and Friends of Red Kites are doing a great job in organising the campaign to stop the sell-off. They need your help to show the government how much opposition there is to their plans.
There is another rally at Chopwell Wood on Sunday 13 February at 1 p.m., at which I am speaking. Please come along and add your voice to the campaign. I am also delighted that Mary Creagh MP, Shadow Environment Secretary has accepted my invitation to visit Chopwell Wood this weekend to support us.
You can also respond to the government consultation at www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/forests/index.htm. They are not asking whether or not this sell-off is a good idea, just what's the best way of doing it. Don't worry about the questionnaire, just tell them that Chopwell Wood belongs to us all and we want to keep it that way.
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
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