THE chief executive of the largest wildlife charity in the region is urging the Government to think about wildlife when considering the proposed privatisations of the region’s woodlands.
Mike Pratt, from Northumberland Wildlife Trust, is extremely concerned about the Government’s plans to break up and sell the Forestry Commission woodlands – many of which, according to outline plans, are simply seen as commercial plantations.
Kielder Forest, in Northumberland, is classed as a commercial plantation despite having one of the country’s largest populations of underthreat red squirrels.
Mr Pratt said: “This is a massive oversimplification.
“In reality, the differentiation between wildlife-friendly ancient woodland and sterile spruce plantation does not exist – one continues into the other with wildlife and conservation going hand-in-hand with all forestry.”
Northumberland Wildlife Trust works with partners including the Forestry Commission to ensure that wildlife is at the top of the agenda in forests throughout the region.
Many of the region’s forests hold a number of National Nature Reserves, Sites of Specific Scientific Interest and Local Sites of Nature Importance.
The Northern Echo is campaigning against the sell-off.
To support the campaign, fill in the petition below.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here