Campaigning group, Hands Off Our Forest, (HOOF) has called on members of the public to write to the House of Lords to show their support for the Forest of Dean and ask for an amendment to the Public Bodies Bill.

HOOF?members believe that the Forest of Dean is a unique case, with many of its traditions recognised in custom, rather than law. This was recognised in 1981 when it was given special protection from sell-off. They feel that the Public Bodies Bill, if passed without an amendment, would strip it of this protection.