The National Forest - Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Contents


Memorandum submitted by Mrs Dorothy Morson (TNF 12)

  I respond as a resident of South Derbyshire for 38 years, as a local teacher involved with Environmental Education and as the representative of Derby and South Derbyshire Ramblers on the Access and Recreation Forum of The National Forest. I write this as there was insufficient time at the meeting for me to give my remarks because of your tight time schedule.

  I have nothing but praise for the work of The National Forest Company. I have witnessed positive landscape change in the district as a result of their work. I can remember attending inaugural meetings about the "birth" of the forest and feeling rather sceptical about the management of the trees. It was easy to plant them but what of their future with so little background in forestry in the area. The National Forest has shown through its work that I had nothing to doubt.

  As for the regeneration of the area; I am sure that you saw for yourselves the positive benefits in the area on your visit on Wednesday.

  I am a user of The National Forest on a daily basis unless on holiday. The developing forest has become an important part of my life—walking with friends and family, leading Health Walks and walks for the Environmental Education Project and the Ramblers. I am proud to say that I live in The National Forest and I would like to point out more of the social benefits of the development that you may not have picked up on Wednesday.

  Get Active in the Forest based at Rosliston Forestry Centre has developed an excellent programme of weekly health walks and themed walks. These are lead by volunteers and attract a wide variety of residents from the community. In addition outdoor activities are provided for local schools; again catering for all school ages.

  The National Forest Walking Festival now in its third year of planning caters for a wide range of interests. We offer short walks valuing the environment and heritage of the area and also longer walks attracting regular walkers from throughout the East and West Midlands.

  Environmental education has flourished as a result of the South Derbyshire Environmental Education project and the work of the education team at the local National Trust property, Calke Abbey. We welcome primary school children to our sessions from a wide range of backgrounds. Next week our contribution the Tree for All run by the Woodland Trust begins. Children will be travelling from inner city schools in Birmingham and Derby in addition to more local places. Team activities are at the heart of this work. This work has been in place since the early days of the Forest and will continue as long as there are places to plant. The education project provides learning and socialising opportunities for deprived family groups too. All local schools value the woodland areas and as time progresses College courses need to be more in evidence to provide training for employment in forestry and related businesses.

  To continue to develop walking access within the Forest more money needs to be made available to maintain basic infrastructure—all ability trails, repair and maintenance of existing stiles and gates and signage to ensure a wider access for all. I, particularly, value the permissive paths that have been established giving new places to walk. However I do notice that the wide ranging views beyond South Derbyshire are disappearing now the trees are growing. The National Forest Company are aware of this issue and intend to consider it in future plantings.

  I also value the new booklet issued by The National Forest Company, the Web site, the new Tourist Information Centre at Swadlincote and Forest News. There are plenty of places to access information about activities and events in the area. A weekly page in the Saturday edition of the Burton Mail about `What's on' gives the local community a wide variety of activities to choose from.

  The National Memorial Arboretum, Calke Park, the new Youth Hostel and Conkers circuit are places I tell people about and encourage to visit. The developments by all partners involved in The National Forest are definitely providing value for money.

January 2010





 
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