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Devon woodlands offer "moments of quiet recreation and enjoyment"

Published: 31 January 2012

Walking group The Ramblers have called for the preservation of the well-loved woods of Devon.

The Forestry Commission woodlands such as Haldon Forest, Cookworth Foresys and Fernworthy Forests are scenic areas ideal for walking, cycling or horse back riding.

The Ramblers are looking for support from the Independent Panel on Forestry for preserving the woodlands and improving public access.

John Skinner, area access officer for Devon Ramblers, said: "We are eager to see continued commitment in the final report, to all those who feel passionately that a walk in the woods is one of life’s simple pleasures, with an irreplaceable value."

The Independent Panel on Forestry was established last May to advise the government on woodland and forestry policy in the UK.

Currently, the panel is touring local forests around the country and assessing them.

The Ramblers have recommended a number of ways in which access to the UK's woodlands, including Devon's, could be improved.

It is hoped that the current Public Forest Estate (18 per cent of Britain's woods) will be carefully preserved in terms of quality and access.

For the future, all new woodland developments that are planted should be planned with accessibility in mind.