Avon Ramblers concerns at forest proposals (12/2/11)

The level of concern about the government's forests proposals was
evident at the Avon Ramblers AGM today, where the forests issue
dominated discussions. Members were worried that the excellent access
provided by the Forestry Commission -including the high quality forest
tracks that it maintains - would not be guaranteed under the
proposals. I made it clear that the issue for the Ramblers was not
ownership - but access. And unless the current quality of access could
be guaranteed, our message to the government was clear - there should
be no sale. In the forthcoming edition of Walk magazine, we'll be
asking Ramblers members to respond to the government's consultation.
There was solid support for the Ramblers' campaigning on this issue.

Other issues covered at the meeting of 50 members include:

- promoting Ramblers membership to affiliated club members;
- providing shorter walks for newcomers;
- the 'Membership March' promotion, where groups that recruit new
members ronto direct debit will receive the entire first year's
membership subscription to help the group with publicity, campaigning,
etc;

David Waterstone retired as Chair after a 3-year stint, and Tom Ellson
(who is also a trustee) was elected to take over.

Thanks also for a lovely walk to the north of Bristol this morning -
with fantastic views across the estuary.

Tom Franklin
Sent from my iPhone

Ramblers - at the heart of walking
Please visit www.ramblers.org.uk to find out more
The Ramblers? Association is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Scotland no SC039799) and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales (no 4458492). Registered office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW.

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