FOLLOWING last Wednesday's Queen's Speech, HOOF (Hands Off Our Forest) campaigners say they are disappointed more has not been done to safeguard the future of the Dean's public forests. HOOF secretary Owen Adams said: "The Government has squandered its final opportunity to introduce legislation to give lasting protection to the Forest of Dean and other public woodlands in England, which are enjoyed by 40 million people annually. "Our woodlands remain at risk from a sell-off and other forms of disposal. "Despite acknowledging how much the public values their forests, the Government has reneged on its commitment to plan for a sustainable future for forestry."

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