FARRON HOPES CUMBRIAN MPs CAN UNITE TO SAVE NATIONAL PARK FORESTS

South Lakes MP Tim Farron is stepping up the pressure in the fight against the sale of Forestry Commission land - including Grizedale and Whinlatter in Cumbria.

During the debate on the sale last week, Tim raised the specific issue of woodland in national parks, and whether they would be given extra protection as 'heritage woodland'. Questioning the minister, he said: "Taking my right hon. Friend back to Rigg Wood and giving reassurance to local populations, our experience with the sale of Rigg Wood makes us extremely nervous about the lack of clarity about whether forests within national parks such as the Lake District count as heritage woodland. Will she agree that national park woodlands should all be considered as heritage, and should not be leased or sold."

Tim has also met with all of the county's MPs to discuss the campaign and asked them to join him in working to protect our forests. Tim recently spoke of his opposition to the sell-off plans at the public protest in Grizedale which was attended by over 1,000 people from all across the north of England. In addition, Tim has put down a parliamentary motion asking the government to look again at the plans.

Tim said: "When I met with my fellow Cumbrian MPs I suggested that we could all work together - despite our party differences - to defend the forests in our national parks. At the very least we should ensure that no sale or lease of any of our national park forests takes place.

"The sell-off would potentially restrict public access and could also result in the loss of a sustainable source of timber and lead to a clear reduction in biodiversity. Worst of all, it would result in the loss of one of our biggest carbon sinks - something which is essential if we are to successfully combat climate change."