Jan 7th, 2017
Protect Sherwood Forest
By Nicole G
Sherwood forest, home to ancient trees, rare wildlife and Robin Hood is in danger. A huge energy company, Ineos, is trying to get permission to explore underneath it for gas. Britain’s most famous woodland could soon be filled with lorries, heavy machinery and explosions.
A government agency called the Forestry Commission, can decide whether to let the energy company into the forest. They manage all the forests in the UK and are supposed to protect them. They know the risks of letting Ineos into Sherwood – but are probably coming under pressure to let the deal go ahead.
The deal could be signed any day now. A huge public outcry could give the Forestry Commission the push they need to stand up to Ineos and protect our ancient forest.
Please can you sign the petition to protect Sherwood Forest before it’s too late?
Sherwood Forest is home to animals including badgers, rare birds and bats. It’s also home to Major Oak, a 1,000-year old tree that, according to legend, sheltered Robin Hood. If Ineos get their way, they’ll be allowed to bring in heavy trucks, bury explosives and run noisy machines. It could be disastrous for the animals living there.
The Forestry Commission isn’t usually in the spotlight. They aren’t used to huge displays of opposition to plans they are considering. If thousands of us sign a huge petition, demanding they stand up to Ineos, it could be enough to make the Forestry Commission stop the deal and keep dirty energy companies out of Sherwood forest.
38 Degrees have been here before. In 2010, the government tried to sell off our forests for profit but we came together in our thousands and stopped them. And now Britain’s forests are in the firing line once more. Sometimes it can seem like it’s impossible for any one of us to make a difference alone but when millions of us take small actions – like signing this petition – we can move mountains.
