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date: 27 January 2011

embargo: For immediate release

Government's forestry proposals are 'barking up the wrong tree', says TUC

Government proposals announced today (Thursday) to sell off England's forests and woodlands to private companies or transfer them to charitable trusts could make it much harder for the public to enjoy the countryside, leave charities out of pocket, and will raise little revenue from the public purse, says the TUC.

Commenting on the publication of the consultation document on the future ownership of woodlands like the New Forest and the Forest of Dean, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'The government is barking up the wrong tree with these proposals. Quite rightly public alarm is growing at the privatisation of our most treasured natural assets.

'People appreciate the way our forests are managed for the nation by the professional staff of the Forestry Commission. Volunteer foresters or private companies won't do the job as well and the careful balance between timber, public amenity, bio-diversity and conservation will be lost.

'Everyone who lives or works in our forests, or simply enjoys walking in our woodlands, will want to join with environment, community and trade union campaigners to resist these ill-thought out ideas.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk
Elly Gibson T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: egibson@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 27 Jan 2011