Hamsterley Forest Action Group- Save Hamsterley Forest

Hamsterley Forest Action Group is a community-based group that was established to protect and preserve the existing natural environment of Hamsterley Forest.

The Forest situated in Co. Durham in the North East of England, is managed by Forestry England. It is a 5,000 acre woodland comprising coniferous and deciduous woodland as well as open heathland habitats. There are SSSI areas in and around the boundaries of the Forest and it offers a diverse habitat with numerous endangered species thriving within the existing ecosystem, including migratory birds, eight species of woodland bats and a variety of reptiles and amphibians.

This beautiful place provides a tranquil haven not only for native wildlife and plant species, but also for the many people who benefit from spending time here, whether walking, cycling or riding. The peace and quietude this Forest offers brings enormous benefits to the local and tourist populations in terms of health and well-being.

Forestry England and Forest Holidays are proposing a development within this special habitat of 70 cabins, a camping/glamping site and Go Ape activities. This would require the destruction of a significant area of the Forest to create a new spur road in, as well as the damage that will be caused by the installation of this proposed development in 3 different locations throughout the Forest.

There is no mains water available, so the surrounding ecosystem will be further stressed in order to service the water supply to the proposed development. The trees and wildlife have no voice to oppose the destruction of their fragile ecosystem. We are urging people to support our campaign opposing this development and protect Hamsterley Forest for future generations to enjoy. Once the habitats, species and tranquillity are gone, they are lost forever.

We desperately need funding to enable us to employ the professional help and advice that we need to fight the multimillion pound companies involved and prevent the back door privatisation and destruction of this beautiful forest