As I am sure most of you know as part of the savings the government is trying to make, Haldon Forest is now up for sale, as part of the forestry commission sale of assets.
Now I do have concerns about this, but first a few things you should know about the forest.
Firstly, a large part of it is (about 100 hectares) is a Site of Special Scientific Interest or SSSI, noted for its breeding birds (raptors/nightjars) and butterflies. but as most SSSI’s are actually owned privately, so selling it off won’t in itself, make a difference.
Also Haldon has been developed as a regional outdoor recreation centre. Large amounts of public money have been spent here on developing visitor facilities such as walking and cycling. How wisely this money was spent at the site it up for debate, but such an investment should have a return.
Will the private owners start charging visitors who use the forest, will it be free to use (after all we did pay for it through our taxes) or will the forest be fenced off with no access to the public at all?
Similarly, it is a site for cultural and art events – will that continue?
Then, of course, there is the maintenance of the SSSI – who will pay for that, or continue the diverse range of management that is currently undertaken by the Forestry Commission?
Certainly, I can see the attraction in selling of the forest, weather a big company like Centre Parcs will be interested in buying it for a fair price when so much woodland is up for grabs seems unlikely in this current climate.
Our forest is important, selling it isn’t really the main issue, but what happens next should have us all asking, “Is this the best option for the long term?”
Personally, I am yet to be convinced selling it is the best option.
(image: Haldon Forest in Devon Some rights reserved by markhillary)
Come and enjoy Devon – book a hotel and get away!
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