I read with interest the letter by Lib Dem MEP Catherine Bearder (Oxford Mail, January 24) on the European Parliament’s work to safeguard tropical rainforests and sustainable timber.

I wonder whether Mrs Bearder could use her influence with her colleagues and allies in the UK Government to safeguard the 150,000 hectares of land currently under threat from the government’s plan to sell off our ancient woodlands and forests in the break-up of the Forestry Commission?

It would be disastrous if national treasures like the Forest of Dean, New Forest and Sherwood Forest were sold off, fenced off, run down, logged or turned into golf courses by the highest bidder.

Andrew Coles, Farmington Drive, Witney