I am writing to register my utter disappointment at MP Claire Perry’s piece on page 44 of last week’s Gazette.
The Forestry Commission manages its woodlands for conservation, timber production and public access. They are managed following Forest Design Plans which are developed to take account of the needs of conservation and recreation and are fully consulted on with the local communities. It is true that Sitka Spruce is planted in upland forests as it is a productive species that is in demand by British sawmills. I do not think there is any in Mrs Perry’s constituency. It is planted in forests that have been there for several generations, since 1919 when as a nation we needed a strategic reserve of timber to insure us against the outbreak of war.
At a time when professional and dedicated Forestry Commission staff are in fear of their future, it is wrong for Mrs Perry to publish such lies in support of the Government policy to dispose of the Forestry Commission for no better reason than a dogma of dislike for the public sector.
Dave Sykes, South West Forestry branch chairman.
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