COUNTY MPs have given their verdicts on controversial Government plans to sell off some of England’s publicly owned forests.

The Government has proposed offloading up to 100 per cent of England’s 258,000-hectare public forest estate from the Forestry Commission.

“Heritage” woods could be transferred to trusts or charities, while commercial sites would also be offered to private firms, for example for timber development.

Seven out of eight Oxfordshire woods covering 321 hectares, more than 400 football pitches, are classed as “commercial” in a current public consultation.

They are Queen Wood, Cowleaze, pictured, and College Wood, near Watlington; Burnt Platt, Greyhone and Ipsden Woods, near Nettlebed, and Crowsley Park, near Henley.

The 136-hectare Bernwood Forest, near Waterperry, would not be sold.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith said hundreds of constituents had contacted him with concerns.

He said: “I believe this crucial part of our natural heritage – which belongs to all of us, and for which we have a responsibility for future generations – should be kept in public ownership.”

This would guarantee public access and protect them from “damaging commercial pressures”.

But Conservative Oxford West & Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood said Labour sold 25,000 acres during its 13 years in power.

She said: “I do not think alternative forms of forest management are necessarily damaging, and 80 per cent of this country’s woodlands are managed by entities other than the Forestry Commission.”

Wantage MP Ed Vaizey said: “Most people think the Forestry Commission has not done a great job.

“This is a terrific opportunity. The idea that we are selling off the forests is completely wrong and nobody would support that.”

North Oxfordshire MP Tony Baldry urged anyone who felt strongly about the issue to respond.

“If community groups don’t want to come forward and own and run those woods, then they will simply stay in public ownership. There is no suggestion of them being forcibly sold off.”

Henley MP John Howell said: “There is no point in commenting until you have heard all the views, and that is what a consultation is all about.”

Witney MP and Prime Minister David Cameron told the House of Commons this month: “I’m listening to all the arguments that are being put on this issue.

“But I would ask, is it the case that there are organisations like the Woodland Trust, like the National Trust, who could do a better job than the Forestry Commission? I believe there are.”