Letter: Thoughtless invasion of our woodlands
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: If indeed woodland is owned by the Forestry Commission, limited public access to land held in the public's name seems reasonable (letter, 4 November). However, many woodlands are not so owned: they are held on long leases from the real owners often on tiny rents (eg 10p per acre per year).
Often outsiders have been given shooting rights over these woods with no reference to the actual owners, and members of the public have brought their dogs, radios, motorbikes, guns, poachers, litter and horses to what might have been otherwise privately cultivated.
The long-term side-effects of commercial afforestation are severe; the acidification of soils and springs affects flora and fauna. Most of us want to return this land to its natural state of mixed deciduous woods with heathland stretches, to conserve it for generations to come.
The "right to roam" is a very questionable notion proffered by those who refuse to recognise some basic facts - that land is not primarily for the occasional recreation of casual users who have no responsibility for its care and upkeep.
L GREGORY
Norwich
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments