MP Philip Dunne holds talks on future of Mortimer Forest

Mr Dunne met Sir Harry Studholme to discuss Mortimer Forest - which had been at the centre of a furious battle between a holiday company and conservationists .

The forest is one of the largest woodlands managed by the Forestry Commission along the Marches, covering over 1,000 hectares, with an important role in sustaining local commercial and amenity woodland and wildlife.

The Forestry Commission’s Plan for Mortimer has come up for renewal, with a public consultation now open on the latest 10-year plan and longer term proposals.

Along with representatives from the Forestry Commission, Mr Dunne also met representatives from Shropshire Wildlife Trust and Friends of Mortimer Forest, to seek their views on how best to manage the forest in future.

Mr Dunne said: “Mortimer Forest is clearly of real importance in helping to protect local woodland and wildlife, and is greatly valued by the local community. So it is important the Forestry Commission engages with other relevant community groups and puts in place a robust plan for its future.

"I was pleased the chairman agreed to visit, and listened to our views with interest. There was clear consensus about the desire to enhance public access and interest in the forest, while developing a sustainable future.

"I encourage local interested parties to submit their views via the online consultation before the deadline of 1st February 2019.”

Mortimer Forest was at the centre of a controversial plan to build holiday chalets on the site. Public opposition won through and Forest Holidays, an off-shoot of the Forestry Commission – dropped plans to build 68 cabins in the heart of the forest amid massive opposition, both locally and from horrified conservationists across the country.

It had planned to invest £14.5 million into the development in Mortimer Forest, which the company claimed “would enable the Forestry Commission to deliver long-term benefits for existing forest users, wildlife and the local economy by generating a sustainable annual income”.

In addition to the cabins, the firm proposed building new public toilets, a new design for a landscaped viewpoint at High Vinnalls, upgrades to the family-friendly natural play equipment, new and improved trails and areas of ecological and habitat enhancement.

The public consultation on the Mortimer Forest plan will run until February 1, and is available at consult.forestryengland.uk/forest-districts/mortimer-forest-plan