LOCAL people will be given a chance to have their say on the future of Abbeyford Woods on the outskirts of Okehampton at a public consultation day next weekend. At the end of March, a stakeholders? event was held at the woods to gain the views of key users groups, local authority representatives and other interested members of the community. The ideas generated at that event have informed the discussions on making the most of the woodland in the future and now, the public have the chance to give their views. The event was organised by the Forestry Commission which manages the woods. Ahead of the public event, the Forestry Commission welcomed West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox to Abbeyford last Friday. He was given a tour of the woodland, including a chance to view the impressive mountain biking section which has recently been created. The event gets underway between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, May 20 at the main car park at Abbeyford. The event will be an informal drop-in with a chance to raise issues considered important as well as meeting the Forestry Commission team. There will be questionnaires available asking for people?s opinions on the way in which Abbeyford is used. Anyone who would like to express their views but is unable to attend the consultation event, can still do so, by writing to: Forestry Commission, Cookworthy Forest Centre, Beaworthy, Devon, EX21 5UX. You can also telephone the commission on 01409 221692 or e-mail abbeyfordwoodlandproject@ forestry.gsi.gov.uk
