THE Forest of Dean will be visited by the forestry review panel before anywhere else because of the strength of the local outcry.

The 12 panel members, who were appointed by the Government in the wake of the Coalition's apparent U-turn over its proposals to sell and transfer England's public woodlands, will come to the Forest on Monday June 13 – their first event outside London.

The panel said it chose the Dean due to the immense clamour made by Hands Off Our Forest supporters, and the many battles fought by previous generations of Foresters.

Panel chairman the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones, told The Forester: "The panel was unanimous that we should make the Forest of Dean our first visit, as we have received so many invitations.

"We realise its tremendous natural and cultural heritage, and that local people have been active on forest issues for many years."

The panel's secretariat is currently in talks with HOOF and other organisations to decide on the venue and the best format for the visit. Speech House is favoured by HOOF, while councillors and MP Mark Harper have invited the panel to the district council offices in Coleford.

Bishop James said: "What we want to do is choose a venue that allows us to gather evidence from as many people as possible, and hear a wide range of views.

Bishop James said the panel's job, which also includes looking at private forestry, was exciting and "very challenging".

He added: "When the Secretary of State offered me the job of chairing it, I had to decide which commitments to put down so I could devote my time to this.

"I'm really confident about the panel members, as they are bringing so many skills and experience to the table."