Mary celebrates World Forestry Day

Mary Creagh, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, visited Dalby Forest to help Hugh Bayley MP and local campaigners mark World Forest Day on 20 March.

Mary joined local ramblers, cyclists, horse riders and dog walkers at Dalby Forest near York to celebrate the Government’s u-turn on plans to sell-off England’s public forests.

The event was organised by Hugh Bayley MP with local ‘Save our Forests’ supporters. Foresters were also on hand to lead ramblers on a choice of walks and point out areas of interest in Dalby Forest.

The Government this week announced details of its forest panel which will look at the future of England’s woods. The panel has been criticised by campaigners failing to include any members of the public or local campaign groups.

Mary said: "The ‘Save our Forests’ campaign was a victory for people power. More than half a million people signed the petition and joined local groups to fight the Government’s plans to sell-off our public forests. I was delighted to visit Dalby Forest and meet local supporters.”

“The trees are not out of the woods yet and the Government still intends to sell 100,000 acres of England’s forests over the next four years. We need to ensure that England’s forests are protected now and for future generations."

Hugh Bayley MP commented: “I am very pleased that the “Big Society” spoke about the selling off of our public forests and am glad the Government was forced to listen. I received over 400 complaints from constituents in urban York protesting against forest privatisation."