Cheshire Wildlife Trust is warning that allowing publicly-owned land to be sold-off may bring into question the future for some of the region’s threatened wildlife habitats.

The conservation charity – which has been managing nature reserves across the region for almost 50 years – currently looks after a number of sites within the publicly-owned estate, including nature reserves within some of the region’s Forestry Commission woodlands.

The comments come following the news that the Government is beginning a consultation on selling off parts of the public forestry estate.

The trust is urging the Government to recognise the practicalities and realities of securing the long-term protection of England’s forests for the future. Charlotte Harris, Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s director of conservation, said: “The history of our publicly-owned forests has been a chequered one, however there is no doubt that these often significant areas of woodland have a tremendous value for wildlife as well as people.

“Of crucial importance to us at the Wildlife Trusts is that the small and often fragile habitats that exist within the heart of the publicly-owned estate – such as peat bogs, are also recognised.

“The current public ownership allows for a secure future for these easily damaged and often unique places for wildlife.

“It is also vital to consider that the forestry estate can include habitats people may not expect such as lowland grazing meadows, grasslands and ponds. In the continuing debate about our high profile woodlands these equally important wildlife habitats should not be overlooked.”