Bellever Forest, one of Devon's woodland areas. Photo: Derek Harper CC-BY-SA-2.0

Ramblers in Devon will use the visit of a Government-appointed forestry panel to push for even wider access to England’s woodlands.

Members of the Independent Panel on Forestry will visit the county tomorrow, Thursday, and local Ramblers said they will take the opportunity to stress the passion residents have for their forests.

The panel was set up by Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman after the huge public outcry at plans to sell off the public forest estate.

Former Ramblers chief executive Tom Franklin is a member of the panel, which is chaired by the Bishop of Liverpool.

The walking charity welcomed its interim report in December which, which backed public forests and the need for the same level of ‘gold standard’ quality of access they provide to continue.

The Ramblers said extensive Forestry Commission woodlands in Devon such as Bellever, Soussons and Fernworthy Forests on Dartmoor, as well as Haldon Forest and Cookworthy Forest all contribute to the region’s diverse landscape.

They provide areas where people can escape for moments of quiet recreation and enjoyment, the organization said, whether on foot, on bicycle or horseback.

The campaigning group wants to see these areas preserved and access to them improved.

John Skinner, area access officer for Devon Ramblers said: “These early signs of a victory for the public forest estate are comforting, but we are eager to see continued commitment in the final report, to all those who feel passionately that a walk in the woods is one of life’s simple pleasures, with an irreplaceable value.

“We want this to be a triumphant year for forests, and this currently lies in the hands of the panel. We urge the panel to remember walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts during their visit.”

The Ramblers is urging the panel not only consider the 18 per cent of woodland in England owned or managed by the Forestry Commission, but also recommend ways to increase access the other 82 per cent of English forest.

The charity called for the panel to stand firm on recommendations to the Environment Secretary. They want the panel to back a commitment to keeping the public forest estate and the current amount and quality of access it offers.

In addition it is urging the panel to recommend Government policy and grant structures share the aim of increasing recreational benefits and public access in woodland outside of the public forest estate.

Any new additions to the public forest estate should be located close to people and include community support and involvement, and all new woodland planted should have some form of public access planned in from the start.