Some sites here that triallers may be interested in looking at regarding the proposed sale of some forests. The Northern and the VSCC's Lakeland Trial rely heavily on the usage of sections within the North Lakes and undoubtedly there are other trials which also use Forestry commission forests. Please support the campaign. Once access is lost or becomes possibly financially unviable we will not get them back, thats for sure. This could be one more of those coffin nails that look to be increasing these days!!!
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/england-pfeconsultation
http://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2011/02/02/second-lakeland-rally-in-protest-against-forest-sell-off
It is worth filling in the consultation response form individually - don't just rely on the petition.
ReplyDeleteI note that the minister has commented that some uses of the Forestry Commission forests are 'permissions, not rights'
Worth asking the MSA they are doing on this. They have a commercial agreement with Forestry Commission for stage rallies. I wonder what the MSA is saying to govt and the Forestry Commission about all motorsport events: trials as well as stage rallies.
Best wishes
Mike
MSA statement: http://www.racecar.com/Motorsport/News/MSA-responds-to-Forestry-Commission-consultation/39209.htm
ReplyDeleteMike
Sorry, here is the original MSA press release: http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/newsarticle.asp?chapter=210&nid=1388
ReplyDeleteDespite all the efforts of Simon and the others with the MSA regarding trialling in general, I think that trialling as a whole is low down on their priority list, not that I agree with that at all. It certainly isnt too late for them but will they do anything? I wonder with some concern.
ReplyDeleteMyke
I clicked on the Grough magazine link on Myke's original comment.
ReplyDeleteThey're planning a protest in Whinlatter on the same day as the Northern Trial! Whinlatter is where we stop for Lunch and includes Lords Seat and Darling How amongst its sections!
I have emailed the organisers about the trial, saying there will be a small increase in traffic on the road past the Whinlatter Visitor Centre and putting a case for motorsport to be remembered when considering the possible sell-off of the forests. To date, no reply!
ReplyDeleteHi Myke
ReplyDeleteDon't forget the biggest motorsport use of FC land is rallying which has a very high profile in terms of the MSA so I am sure they will be doing their bit. I wouldn't think the protestors on Saturday would see us as their natural allies (quote possible in the opposite camp) but we do have a classic threat/opportunity situation here:
A lot of militant countryside lovers who probably know little about trialling who we can impress (or otherwise) with the way the sport conducts itself alongside other countryside users. Something to bear in mind when the red mist beckons on Widow Hause, Darling How and the rest.
I fear that our interests, as a minority group, will be overlooked. It is important that as individuals we all respond to our local M P and to the Forestry Commission’s consultation document.
ReplyDeleteThe consultation document refers to maintaining sporting use and access to local walkers, cyclists and horse riders. I assume “sporting use” relates to stalking, shooting and fishing, hunting is now part of our past and we may find ourselves in the same situation and have to be content with attending static displays where we can reminisce about “our past”. Nowhere is there any direct reference to maintaining use for motor sport other than: -
“In 2010, the Queensland Government’s plantation timber business was sold through a 99- year plantation licence. The Crown land under the plantations has not been sold and public access for recreational activities such as sight-seeing, bushwalking, horse riding and car rallies will continue as it has in the past.”
Our Government by making reference to this must have motor sport in mind but Australia is a long way for us to go! The problem however as I see it is that if one asks the general public and M P’s, what do they know about motor sport and the forest connection, they will think only of Kielder and rallying, this may leave trial’s out of the equation as we are not a high profile sport.
At a time when motor sport, and trials in particular, are under constant threat from various groups it is essential that pressure is brought upon the Government to ensures that whosoever purchases or leases forest/land in this "sell off" is obliged to maintain unobstructed access to our traditional trials routes and hills. I am concerned that if the Government fails to ensure this and should the forest/land be acquired by individuals/organizations who have an aversion to motor sport then there is a very real possibility that these individuals/organizations will endeavor to have us barred from their land.
As organiser of the Kyrle Trial I can say we depend on using Forestry Commission land in the Forest of Dean for about 90% of our sections. We have a very good working relationship with the local Forestry Commision office as does the organiser of the Wyedean Stages Rally. Here in the Forest of Dean area the locals are really up in arms about the possible sell off with lots of activity, pettions, marches etc. The local MP held a meeting last Friday to explain the governments policy. It was made very clear to him that the locals would not accept the sell off and the MP had to be escorted to his car by the police! I think he got the message!
ReplyDeleteSo please sign the forms, petitions etc.
Stuart Harrold
It is proposed that heritage forests like the Forest of Dean are, subject to the outcome of this consultation, transferred into ownership or management of a charity or charities, via a trust arrangement or lease.
ReplyDeleteThat could spell danger for our future.
I have been tuned into and supporting this group for sometime. I did not emphasise my motorsport interest, simply my regular use of woodland and forests.
ReplyDeleteMy MP's reply to me was pathetic. Strictly towing the party line.
Have a look..................
http://38degrees.org.uk/page/s/save-our-forests
In many peoples eyes, motorsport means high speed, noise, pollution and permanant damage to the countryside and we know that to be totally incorrect. But try getting the message across. I have a friend who blasts poor innocent feathered friends out of the sky with lead shot and thnks that foxes should be hunted by raging dogs. He tries to get his message across to me. Do I listen? Nevertheless we must try.
ReplyDeleteMSA News issue 10 includes it’s briefing in connection with its response to the Governments proposed forest sell off, and while welcome, it is as predicted biased towards Stage Rallies and no reference is made to trials.
ReplyDeleteThey do state “It is vital that everyone involved in the sport takes the trouble not only to fill in the consultation document, but also to make a personal approach to their local MP,” They have compiled a draft letter which together with the background briefing document can be downloaded and sent to your local MP.
It is possible, for those who feel strongly about trials to add to the letter and make sure your voice is heard.
MSA News issue 10 includes it’s briefing in connection with its response to the Governments proposed forest sell off, and while welcome, it is as predicted biased towards Stage Rallies and no reference is made to trials.
ReplyDeleteThey do state “It is vital that everyone involved in the sport takes the trouble not only to fill in the consultation document, but also to make a personal approach to their local MP,” They have compiled a draft letter which together with the background briefing document can be downloaded and sent to your local MP.
It is possible, for those who feel strongly about trials to add to the letter and make sure your voice is heard.
MSA News issue 10 includes it’s briefing in connection with its response to the Governments proposed forest sell off, and while welcome, it is as predicted biased towards Stage Rallies and no reference is made to trials.
ReplyDeleteThey do state “It is vital that everyone involved in the sport takes the trouble not only to fill in the consultation document, but also to make a personal approach to their local MP,” They have compiled a draft letter which together with the background briefing document can be downloaded and sent to your local MP.
It is possible, for those who feel strongly about trials to add to the letter and make sure your voice is heard.
Hoorrah - THE GOVERNMENT HAS BACKED DOWN!!
ReplyDeleteFor now at least......
For now at least………
ReplyDeleteWe must not be complacent it’s only a pause for a few months.
We need to keep up the pressure
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12488847
ReplyDeleteBut :-
ReplyDelete“The government is allowed to sell off 15% of England's woodlands in each four-year public spending period.
The current planned 15% sale is on hold while criteria are examined to ensure public benefits are protected, ministers say, but it is due to go ahead over the next four years - raising an estimated £100m,”
So it’s not over yet. We need to make sure our interests are not overlooked.