SINCE I last wrote about the issue of the future of our Forest the speculation about the Government's plans has carried on and I continue to be contacted by concerned constituents.

So I thought it would be worth returning to the subject this week.

The Forestry Minister, Jim Paice MP, wrote to all MPs on this issue explicitly guaranteeing protection "of our most valuable and biodiverse forests", a commitment that "full measures will remain in place to preserve the public benefits of woods and forests under any new ownership arrangements", and that "public rights of way and access will be unaffected, statutory protection for wildlife will remain in force and there will be grant incentives for new planting".

There seems to be confusion over what this means in practice. For example, I've been asked how the Minister can guarantee access rights will remain unchanged if the Forest isn't owned by the State but by a charitable trust, for example.

Well, the Statutory Protection that the Minister's letter refers to is the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 which put into law the 'right to roam' and gives you the right to access land like the Forest of Dean without having to use paths regardless of whether that land is owned by the State or not.

So my constituents have no need to be concerned that they might not be able to go for a walk in the Forest or that any of our traditions will be affected.

I have also heard concerns about the Public Bodies Bill currently going through Parliament. However, any changes to Forestry matters made using this Bill if it becomes law will still have to be voted on and approved by both Houses of Parliament. This includes the House of Lords where the Government does not have a majority. So there remain checks and balances in place.

I have spoken with the Forestry Minister so he is very clear about the importance of protecting the Forest of Dean. In the New Year the Government will publish a White Paper which will set out their plans for the future of our forests and I am confident it will properly protect the Forest of Dean. Once it is published and my constituents have had a chance to see it, then I have committed to holding a public meeting so that I can listen to their views.

l Contact me: [email protected]">[email protected], http://www.markharper.org">www.markharper.org or House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.