In the same issue as your article “National Trust criticised for eviction of nursery from its woodland home” (13 October), an ad for the National Trust began: “Dear future leaf rustlers, conker collectors and woodland wanderers …” Um.
In the 1990s, working for the Forestry Commission, I had the privilege of managing recreation, public access and education over the New Forest. As well as being a national nature reserve, Ramsar site for internationally recognised wetlands and a special protection area for birds, there were then more than 8 million day visitors a year, and many school visits giving thousands of children the chance to explore and learn about this wonderful place.
Yes, there were some conflicts, but dialogue with the New Forest commoners, English Nature and others ensured that pressure was managed, allowing children the opportunity to experience wild nature at first hand and learn the value of these special places. It saddens me that the National Trust does not seem to have the will to find a solution at Toys Hill, particularly remembering the founding vision of Octavia Hill and others.
Roger Brake
Shaftesbury, Dorset
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