Concerns About Future Of Local Woodlands

Local councillors have voiced their concerns over the government’s consultation about the future of local woodlands around the Godalming and Waverley area.

They are worried that local residents might have their access to these green areas restricted if 'ownership' is pased to private groups.

"Like many residents, we are very concerned that our local woods and forests remain in safe hands," says Cllr David Munro, Waverley’s councillor responsible for community and economic development. The government’s Department for Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is reviewing the ownership and management of public woodlands that are currently looked after by the Forestry Commission. The proposals presented by the consultation include commercial operators taking on long term leases of woodlands. Options also include charities and community groups buying or leasing them.

Local woodlands currently managed by the Forestry Commission are Bourne Wood, Sydney Wood, Tidy’s Copse and Upper Ifold Wood near Dunsfold, Frillinghurst Wood, Holmen’s Grove and Hurthill Copse in Grayswood, and Boundless Copse. Alice Holt Forest, which is just outside Waverley’s borders, is also managed by the Commission and is popular among the borough’s residents.

Cllr Munro continues: "The issue here is about keeping and enhancing public access. Each of these woodlands is an incredibly important part of Waverley’s natural environment so it’s less about who owns them and more about protecting the quality of their biodiversity and their value to the local residents who enjoy visiting them."

Waverley has pledged to support local groups who want to find out more about how the consultation could affect local woodlands: "Our next step is to get a complete picture about the specific proposals for each of our much-loved woodlands and we are working on this as a matter of urgency," says Cllr Munro.

Waverley has until the consultation deadline on 21 April to submit its response.