Root and branch reform of the forest

So the New Forest escapes the sell-off. But will that be enough to satisfy the concerns of the Verderers - ancient protectors of the forest - and local people?

The new National Park Authority felt the full force of local feeling when they tried to turn over a new leaf in this ancient landscape, axeing long-held traditions.

The dog walkers, in particular, proved their bark and bite was more vicious than anything on four legs taken for a walk in the enclosures.

The New Forest Association's William Ziegler described the plans as "appalling".

"This new threat is the most serious attack on the New Forest for 160 years. Any charity that takes on owning and managing the New Forest will be required to find its own funding after initial government help to offset the £2.9m annual deficit. This could mean charging the public for access to the New Forest and will almost certainly involve selling off parts of the estate which currently provide the cornerstone of commoning."

But his local Conservative MPs have slightly divergent opinions.

New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne is all for it. The plan could bring in more money and make things run better, he reckons.

But the New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis prefers the motto "if it ain't broke don't fix it", saying "The New Forest is delicate and precious. It's only just become a National Park. I will be consulting with the many people in my constituency who have a great deal of wisdom about the forest."

Ok not quite at loggerheads (boom, boom) but a sign of possible discord to come.

Meon Valley's George Hollingberry started off expressing concern , but now is happy with the guarantees of resident's rights, saying:

"I now fully support the plan, especially as it gives the chance for local groups to take over. In the Meon Valley this has been very successful with Park Wood in Cowplain a real local asset successfully run by volunteers. "

"The plans could now allow another piece of woodland, Queen's Inclosure, just over the road from Park Wood to be run by local people."

Today the Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said disposing of the lands would enable the government and the Forestry Commission to focus on their most important roles.

"State control of forests dates back to World War I, when needs were very different. There's now no reason for the government to be in the business of timber production and forest management. "

"It's time for the government to step back and allow those who are most involved with England's woodlands to play a much greater role in their future... and we will make sure that public access is maintained and biodiversity protected."

But the documents suggest that the Forestry Commission could lose 80 percent of their staff if the sell-off goes through. They'll be reduced to a rump of their former selves, mostly administering the leases to charities or businesses who have taken over day-to-day management.

The map they released today shows just how much forest is being transferred. Click here to look. The blue is protected, heritage land in the New Forest and South Downs. The red and green areas may be taken over.

The forests may be tranquil, but there's a wind of change blowing through.

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