The Big Forestry Sell-Off... Good or bad...Thoughts

[europeantrees]

Hi John Burgess, and thanks for your reply - I am no position to know the realities of what the FC are actually like on the ground and don't dispute your comments. Even with an ineffectual FC and the fact that the lions share of funding come from their timber sales allows them the position to be able to avoid to commit to European and International obligations without costing the taxpayer more than the 30p a year at present. Some money also comes by way of the EU, who won't be too happy to then pay for any shortfall in funds to Forest Research or the Forest Authority. The Forest Enterprise under these plans will almost certainly disappear and for some potential clients the difference between an ex FC contractor and another will initially make no difference in choice - indeed it may well swing in favour of Ex FC if not simply for sympathy? I dont know. But I am trying to complete the consultation paper taking all sides of the argument into account and at present the finances on all levels and possibilities do not add up, particularly with 50% of UK timber sales going direct to the FC when they have a much smaller percentage of land cover. The status quo is certainly not brilliant but there does'nt appear to be a decent alternative and as such these sales are not good.

[john burgess]

At one of the Woods I work in the commission revamped the car park and the approach road the forestry track from the car park was renewed for three quarters of a mile the only trouble was forestry vehicles were not allowed to use it as it was for walkers and bicycles and horse riders

[TRADITIONAL LOGGERS]

Some of the people in the FC/FE have been helpful but some treat the "Contractors" (I hate this word) with little decent respect. We had a site with a 500 tons standing sale and a legal access and signed a 26 page document on how to do the work but the man who's caravan site land it went through said we would damage the stone track so refused access after we had done all the felling. (Lightweight U600 with Mowi Skog 8 so no damage)The local FE man told us to take the wood out within weeks or he would seize it all back and sell to different people. Nice.

 

I hope the whole FC is sold and the woodlands go to the people that have done all the hard work and can look after them. FC woodlands these times are free play areas for the public. If I owned a large woodland I have no problems with public access provided no mess was left behind like it often is.

[TRADITIONAL LOGGERS]

I have been in contact with some of the National Press including the TV following the much one-sided scare coverage of the FC woodland sale/leases. It looks like those of use who work in the general tree world might be given a chance to give our view to the general public and correct some misdleading facts.

 

I am sure people will have read the posts I have done so if there are people who would like to comment possible live please PM me within the next two days. A mobile number would be useful to call you.

 

Statements from some people that all gates will be locked and all trees cut down is rubbish. Legal public footpaths will remain open.

 

I know from info received that the Woodland Trust would like the public to panic and help purchase local woods that are then not maintained as before. Rural areas need work!!

[RichardT]

"It is a fact that whoever purchases ex FC woodland, from NGO through to International business, will reduce management and maintenance."

 

Is it indeed?

 

I could give you a few examples of management being massively improved after sale to private or community buyers. Anecdotal I know, but anecdotes trump bald assertions with no supporting evidence whatsoever.

[peckerwoo]

,,,Breaking story in that the Govt. has just put "on hold" former plans to sell the 15% quota of public owned forest,,,

MTF, (lookin for a news agency link,,,)

[Notmegov]

BBC News - Government U-turn on forest sell-off

 

Oh well have to invest my money in some thing else now.

[TRADITIONAL LOGGERS]

BBC News - Government U-turn on forest sell-off

 

Oh well have to invest my money in some thing else now.

 

There is still a chance for those who wish to purchase a woodland and look after it's future to write direct to the people involved. I have had a good response.

[Paul Barton]

According to BBC news the govt have now postponed the 12 week consultation just 2 weeks in to it...looks like they are backing away from the original plans.

[Andy Collins]

Announced this morning that the Forestry sell-off is off, due mainly to public pressure.