THE campaign group Hands Off Our Forest (HOOF), has called an emergency meeting because of fresh concerns about plans for the Forest.

In January, the Government bowed to public pressure and reassured campaigners that the Forest is not for sale.

It agreed to set up an independent body to run public Forests – backing down on plans to sell off parts of the Dean.

However, HOOF campaigners are unhappy that the governing body is to be handpicked and only accountable to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The Forest guardians have been given an advisory role, which they deem insufficient.

Rich Daniels, HOOF chairman, said: "We feel our concerns have not been sufficiently met.

For more on this story, pick up The Forester.