CONCERNS have been raised about access to Ribble Valley’s most picturesque areas if £250 million plans to sell-off public forests get the go-ahead.

The controversial Government proposals, which are out for consultation, detail measures to dispose of up to 18 per cent of England’s public forest estate, which is currently managed by the Forestry Commission, over the next 10 years.

They include the sale of leaseholds for commercially-valuable forests to timber companies, measures to allow communities, charities and even local authorities to buy or lease woods and plans to transfer well-known ‘heritage’ woods, such as the New Forest, into the hands of charities.

The plans could also see the winding up of the Forestry Commission, which manages Gisburn Forest on a long lease from United Utilities.

Martin Charlesworth, community projects officer at the Forest of Bowland, said: “Gisburn Forest is easily accessible and a centre for relaxation and sport for the whole of Lancashire and parts of Yorkshire.

Within the Forest there are many miles of footpaths, bridleways and cycle tracks.

There are areas where there are waterfalls and wildflowers designated as ‘Biological Heritage Sites’ and it is an area popular with birdwatchers.

“We certainly hope that recreational and sporting opportunities are protected in any change of ownership and/or management of the forests currently managed by the Forestry Commission.”

John Falshaw, Gisburn parish council chairman, said: “We need to make sure that access to the forest is protected because it could end up spoiling tourism in the area.”

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, vowed to raise concerns with the ministers.

He said: “I will make absolutely certain that my constituents’ concerns relating to loss of woodland access are listened to.”

Meanwhile a Pendle peer is challenging the Government to reconsider its proposals to sell the national forest estate.

Lord Tony Greaves has tabled amendments to the Public Bodies Bill, which gives the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs powers to dispose of forests and woodland.

The Colne-based Liberal Democrat wants to remove the forestry clauses or, failing that, to include safeguards over public access, landscape and wildlife issues, and local consultation.