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ARMANDII · Feb 18, 2011

As I've said previously, I don't trust any Politician or Government [of any colour] with any of OUR historical, intrinsic and financially valuable assets. The forests are OURS - not the Politicians. They belong to everyone of us, giving us the right to walk in them and appreciate their beauty and that of the resident wildlife. But that right bestows on everyone of us the onus to protect them against the dangers and abuse that the very people who supposedly work for us have tried to inflict on them. This particular Government. despite all their protestations, tried to sell off one of our most valuable and loved jewels of the UK to their friends and organisations. Those people were not interested in our forests for altruistic, philanthropic, or charitable reasons - they were, and still are, interested for the commercial timber and encroaching development they could attain of our forests. Yes, this Government has publically said it has dropped the issue and said "sorry", but making the right noises and faces to appease an angry public is something Politicians do every day - it doesn't mean that they'll never attempt it again! Believe me, there's a filing cabinet in a Ministry office somewhere in Westminster that's marked "PENDING" and the "Forests for Sale" file is in there!!

Marley Farley · Feb 18, 2011

ARMANDII said:
As I've said previously, I don't trust any Politician or Government [of any colour] with any of OUR historical, intrinsic and financially valuable assets. The forests are OURS - not the Politicians. They belong to everyone of us, giving us the right to walk in them and appreciate their beauty and that of the resident wildlife. But that right bestows on everyone of us the onus to protect them against the dangers and abuse that the very people who supposedly work for us have tried to inflict on them. This particular Government. despite all their protestations, tried to sell off one of our most valuable and loved jewels of the UK to their friends and organisations. Those people were not interested in our forests for altruistic, philanthropic, or charitable reasons - they were, and still are, interested for the commercial timber and encroaching development they could attain of our forests. Yes, this Government has publically said it has dropped the issue and said "sorry", but making the right noises and faces to appease an angry public is something Politicians do every day - it doesn't mean that they'll never attempt it again! Believe me, there's a filing cabinet in a Ministry office somewhere in Westminster that's marked "PENDING" and the "Forests for Sale" file is in there!!
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Armandii I totally agree with you.. I did receive this from my local MP today.. He did at least reply which is more than some, but I shall keep watching & listening as I feel they will try & slip it in quick when they think we have forgotten about it... I shall certainly keep watching & listening though.....
Here it the reply I got & at least I could read what the minister said as well & so can you all now as it is below...!! :WINK1:

[size=medium][size=medium]Dear Marley,[/size][/size]
[size=medium][size=medium]I am writing to ensure that you are aware of the good news
contained in the latest announcements regarding the Government’s plans
for forestry in England. [/size][/size]
[size=medium][size=medium]I am pleased to confirm that the references to Forestry in
the Public Bodies Bill are to be removed and that the current consultation is
to be closed. In addition, an independent group is to be set up which will
include representatives of groups concerned about biodiversity and access to
make sure that future policy on forestry pays proper attention to these vital
issues. That group will report back in the Autumn. If you are interested in
reading the full statement by the Secretary of State, made in the House of
Commons yesterday, I have pasted it below.[/size][/size]

[size=medium][size=medium]I am pleased that the Government has listened to the many
representations received from concerned members of the public and from
concerned MPs including me, and I believe that this is now a much better way
forward for our much cherished forests.[/size][/size]

[size=medium][size=medium]Thank you for taking the trouble to contact me about this important issue.[/size][/size]

[size=medium][size=medium]With kind regards,[/size][/size]
[size=medium][/size]

[size=medium][size=medium]Steve W.[/size][/size]

[size=medium][/size]

[size=medium][size=medium][Full text of yesterday’s statement][/size][/size]

[size=medium][size=medium]The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs (Mrs Caroline Spelman):[/size][/size][size=medium] I would first like to say that I take full
responsibility for the situation that brings me to the House today. Let me make
it clear that we have always placed the highest priority on preserving access
and protecting our forests, but the forestry clauses in the Public Bodies Bill,
published well before we launched the consultation, gave the wrong impression
as to the Government's intentions. That is why I am today announcing three
steps that will allow for more measured and rational debate about the future
direction of forestry policy.[/size]

[size=medium][size=medium]First, I have taken a decision to end the consultation on
the future of the public forest estate, and I take full responsibility for
that. I am doing so because it is clear from the early responses to the
consultation that the public, and many hon. Members, are not happy with the
proposals that we set out. Secondly, the Government will support the removal of
the forestry clauses from the Public Bodies Bill, which is in Committee in the
other place.[/size][/size]

[size=medium][size=medium]Thirdly, I would like to announce to the House that I am
establishing an independent panel to consider forestry policy in England.
It will report to me with its findings in the autumn. The panel will advise me
on the future direction of forestry and woodland policy in England, and on the role of the
Forestry Commission and the public forest estate. The panel will include
representatives of key environmental and access organisations, alongside
representatives of the forestry industry. I will shortly publish its membership
and terms of reference.[/size][/size]

[size=medium][size=medium]If there is one clear message from this experience, it is that
people cherish their forests and woodlands and the benefits that they bring. My
first priority throughout this period of debate has been securing a sustainable
future for our woodlands and forests. On many occasions in the House last
autumn, Ministers gave assurances that our aim in all of this has been to do
more to maintain and enhance the public benefits delivered by forestry-from
recreational access to wildlife protection, and from tackling climate change to
sustaining a wide range of small businesses. That is why my ambition to provide
a better future for our forests is undiminished.[/size][/size]

[size=medium][size=medium]We have already heard positive suggestions about how we can
do that for heritage forests and all other woodlands. We have spoken to the
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the National Trust, the Woodland
Trust, the wildlife trusts, the Ramblers Association and other groups. The
Forestry Commission has itself acknowledged that change is needed, and will be
fully engaged in the process, as I know that it has many ideas to contribute.
We have also been listening to hon. Members on both sides of the House, many of
whom have set up their own initiatives and local groups. We want to support
them in that.[/size][/size]

[size=medium][size=medium]Finally, I am sorry, we got this one wrong-but we have
listened to people's concerns. I thank colleagues for their support through
what has been a very difficult issue. I now want to move forward in step with
the public. I hope that the measures that I have announced today,
signalling a fresh approach, demonstrate my intention to do the right thing for
our forests and our woodlands.[/size][/size]
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cajary · Feb 18, 2011

That must be the first time an M.P. has said "sorry". 'Though they couldn't actually bring themselves to say the "s" word.

ARMANDII · Feb 19, 2011

Sorry, Cajary, but as I said Politicians are "trained" to say sorry every day because of the short term, ill-informed, and machiavellian way they bring forth their "policies" and the resulting mess and outrage caused. I have yet to see the day when a Politician says "sorry" and actually means it. After all the exposure of honours for cash, the expenses scandal, and all the other disreputable actions in the not so distant past can you really, with hand over heart, say politicians are the selfless, honest and true guardians of our most precious historical assets and future of this nation that you want them to be? I know in which direction my thumb is going!

Marley Farley · Feb 19, 2011

As much as we might like to think we can trust them, we cannot trust them not to back track Cajary & walk all over us & our opinions as if we never said a word, that is what has always gone on as far as I can see... My local MP is great... But.... Even he has back tracked before now.. I just watch look & listen & voice my opinions to him & it helps........ Well me any way..!!! :DOH: :D

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Urgent help please :)

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ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

cajary Gardener

ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

Urgent help please :)

Choisya pruning advice please: urgent?

Urgent tree advice please ?

Urgent help please! Veg patch gone wrong!

Urgent advice needed re soft water please

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