Forestry England plans would 'destroy' Hamsterley Forest

Forestry England's plans to create 70 cabins, a Go Ape Activity Centre, accommodation, a campsite and more will be detrimental to Hamsterley Forest - the Hamsterley Forest Action Group argues.

The group was set up earlier this year alongside a petition to "save" the forest which now has nearly 2,000 signatures - and a number of public meetings to discuss and oppose the plans have already been held.

A meeting of the Hamsterley Forest Action Group in September. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)Forestry England's application follows years of planning and recent consultations within the local community - with the tourist board Visit County Durham describing the development as a possible "game changer".

Following the announcement, Kevin May, Forest Management Director for Forestry England’s North district aid: “We’re delighted to officially submit our proposals to Durham County Council. The project has been designed with the forest’s long-term future in mind, balancing the needs of visitors, wildlife, and the local community.

“We believe our proposals are sensitive to residents and local communities, and keep the forest evolving in a way that responds to the demands of local, regional and national needs.”

However, now all documents are publicly available, the action group has raised multiple concerns including sewage, road access, impact on nature and more.

They believe that objecting to proposals would "preserve the existing tranquillity and natural environment" of the forest and have been rallying together those with similar concerns on social media.

A statement released by the group yesterday (November 21) reads: "Following the submission of the planning application by Forestry England, Forest Holidays, Go Ape and Forestry England campsite, the group has studied the application and we have numerous concerns.

"The length of the lease of the land to Forest Holidays of 125 years is effectively the sale of a public forest to a private company. Forestry England are only the land managers, they do not own the forest. 

"The size of the three separate developments will radically change and destroy the essence of the forest. Hamsterley Forest provides a tranquil haven not only for native wildlife and plant species, but also for the many people who benefit from spending time here, whether walking, cycling or riding.

"The peace and quietude this forest offers brings enormous benefits to the local and tourist populations in terms of health and wellbeing.

"There is no mains water or sewage in the forest and there is very limited information as to where the large amounts of water which will be required, will be sourced from, without damaging the surrounding ecosystem. There appears to be an attitude that they will work it out once permission has been granted.

"The surrounding road infrastructure is already struggling to cope, with one of the main access roads from Hamsterley village to the A68 having been closed for two years and there is no possibility of it reopening soon.

"Traffic volume is already a major concern in Hamsterley village and this will only worsen as the thousands of extra vehicles come into the forest. The access road into the forest is a single- track road, so will become extremely congested.

"The size of the planned development is far too large for the infrastructure in the forest and surrounding countryside.

"We understand that Forestry England needs to generate income but why does it have to destroy a beautiful forest and turn it into a holiday park to do it?"

At a recent meeting on September 18, many locals expressed concern about the development.

One woman said: “They do not care about the village – it is just a route in and out. If we must put up with this now, imagine what it will be like if these plans go ahead.

“Our village will be absolutely destroyed.”

A Forestry England spokesperson said: "We/Forestry England want to invest in Hamsterley Forest now to make sure it remains resilient, relevant and ‘fit for purpose’.

"Our proposals build on decades of experience with Forest Holidays and Go Ape, operating in many of the nation’s forests across England and it is in our own interest to ensure that peace and tranquillity is preserved.

"The forest will remain fully accessible for the peaceful enjoyment of existing users, alongside overnight guests and the proposals will incorporate significant ecological enhancements to the forest over and above the biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirement.

"Our existing framework agreement ensures that we are a responsible and supportive landlord to Forest Holidays and Go Ape, as we are to hundreds of other business partners who create experiences for the public to enjoy. The nation’s forests remain in trust for the nation - the forests are still owned by the public, cared for and managed by Forestry England.

"A full suite of studies have been carried out over recent years and are included within the planning application to ensure the relevant authorities have the required information to support the planning decision process. Further permits and licences may be required if a successful planning outcome is received, following due process.

"Our remit and commitment is always to balance the interests of people, nature and economy, with appropriate consideration to local concerns and sensitivities. We feel that our proposals for a small area of Hamsterley Forest can achieve this and we await the outcome of the planning process."