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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