Chiefs at Shropshire Wildlife Trust have spoken out about the “huge risk” attached to the Government’s planned disposal of treasured woodlands in Shropshire.

Colin Preston, director of Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said there was great concern over woods at Haughmond Hill, Mortimer Forest, Wyre Forest and Bury Ditches which could be released from the Forestry Commission under Government plans.

He said they were all valued for wildlife and recreation.

And the trust will host a public meeting at the centre in Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, on February 22, to discuss influencing the future of Shropshire’s woods.

It comes as national campaign groups join forces to oppose moves which they believe spell disaster for the nation’s ecological heritage.

Mr Preston said: “There are huge risks attached to dispersal of our woodlands.

“Many of these woods still contain areas of broad-leaved native trees such as oak and ash.

“Haughmond Hill has wonderful veteran trees and good patches of heathland among the conifers.

“If the hill were to be sold off, these features would be at risk and opportunities to restore these natural habitats might be lost forever.

“The Forestry Commission was extremely co-operative in the Stiperstones ‘Back to Purple’ project, which brought about restoration of a significant area of heathland.

“In recent years it has carried out a policy of replanting felled conifer plantations with native species.

“The trust fears that if these woods are sold off, new owners may not take such an enlightened approach, resulting in degradation of the land.

“We know that many people feel passionately about the future of our woodlands,” he continued.

“They are worried about losing access and are concerned for their wildlife.”

The United Nations named 2011 as the International Year of Forests after a launch event on Wednesday.

The charity announced it will be utilising its campaigning expertise to support local communities throughout England to oppose the sale.

By Sam Pinnington