The Government is consulting on the future of the nation's forests. It is looking at whether the heritage forests would be better run by charitable trusts, whether communities would be interested in running areas of local woodland and whether state-owned woodland which is already set aside for commercial use would be more effectively and more efficiently run by private investors.
Graham commented 'In Cheshire, we are incredibly lucky to have some wonderful woodlands such as Delamere Forest, which is a great place to take the children or go for a run.'
'I would be absolutely appalled at the idea of Delamere Forest being fenced off to the public or being completely destroyed for short term financial gain. I would never ever allow that to happen.'
'However, it is right to consider who is best placed to own and manage our forests and what role there can be for government, communities, charitable trusts and the private sector. It is also right to end the irresponsible practice of selling woodland without adequate protections which took place under the previous Government.'
'The Government has made it very clear that, without exception, rights of public access will be guaranteed, heritage forests protected, communities put first and biodiversity preserved. No other approach would be desirable or acceptable.
'I have already secured absolute assurances from the Secertary of State herself that public access rights at Delamere Forest will, in any circumstances, be protected'
'This is not an unthinking sell-off, it is an open-minded look at how we can best secure the future of our forest estate.'