WE are writing in response to Councillor Graham Morgan's letter in The Forester on December 15.

If 'the chances of another generation of young Foresters' really do hinge on the construction of a road, a few houses and a relocated college on the edge of Cinderford, then things have got into a very bad state.

However, we are writing mainly in response to Coun Morgan's remarks about wildlife, and those who study it.

We are qualified ecologists, and it is a source of continual puzzlement to us that there are so many people who think you can learn all about wildlife just by taking the dog for a walk and collecting tadpoles as a kid.

We're sure they would not have the same opinion about medicine, or engineering, which are also subjects that require a university education and years of experience.

Anyway, with his knowledge of wildlife Mr Morgan must be aware that much-derided 'brownfield sites' are some of the best areas for wildlife in the country?

It's true – ask Buglife, the Invertebrate Conservation Trust. Or does he think wildlife just means big things like birds and deer?

He should also know that different kinds of wildlife need different types of landscapes (what ecologists call habitats).

It's no use saying the Forestry Commission is creating a wildlife area by Woorgreens.

It won't be a replacement for the habitats that are under threat from this development.

To be fair to Coun Morgan, he is prepared to listen to wildlife 'experts' – indeed, he says their advice will be followed 'to the letter'.

However, he distinguishes between these 'experts' and 'so-called armchair experts' like Simon Glover (who probably knows more about butterflies than anyone else in Gloucestershire).

Presumably the 'experts' Coun Morgan trusts are the ones being paid by the developers.

John and Viv Phillips

Pope's Hill