On a cold January day they gathered in one of England’s most beautiful places, Grizedale Forest in the English Lake District.
The woods belong to All
Sports people, Mountain bikers, dog walkers, “right-to-roam” supporters and families. All gathered with a common purpose, to stop the government selling off our forests and woodland. Approximately 1,500 all infuriated by the very idea of our forests being for sale.
Crowds gathering at Grizedale Rally
The Government proposal to sell our forests has raised a huge amount of distress with famous names adding their voice to the protest. Lord Bragg, who unfortunately wasn’t present has called the sell off “Political Vandalism”. Eric Robson broadcaster and Chair of Cumbria Tourist Board was there.
Eric Robson prepares to speak at Grizedale
He said that Clauses 17 & 18 of the Public Bodies Reform Bill should be withdrawn. He also said that The Wainwright Society had opposed the proposal.
Save the Forests Rally, Grizedale
Tim Farron who is the Lib Dem President and MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale attended (having spent the previous evening sleeping rough at Kendal Castle to raise the plight of the homeless) he felt very strongly about the issue as he and his family enjoyed spending time at Grizedale.
Tim Farron Save our Forests Rally
Tim Farron said “The value the Exchequer would gain from the sale of these forests would be outweighed by the long term environmental, landscape and economic cost”.
Not For Sale
Others who talked at the Rally and opposed it were Lord Clark of Windermere, who is a former chairman of The Forestry Commission, Jack Ellerby from Friends of The Lake District and John Woodcock MP for Barrow.
Save Our Forests
At the end of the Rally the Public Bodies Reform Bill was torn to shreds, literally.
Tearing up the Public Bodies Reform Bill
The message was clear, the forests and woodland are our heritage and are Not For Sale!
For more information see http://www.savelakelandsforests.org.uk
The title of my Blog is “Things that make me Happy” well the sell of obviously doesn’t, however what did was the fantastic turnout of young and old at the rally. Make me even happier and visit YOUR local forest soon.
Things and Places 