A host of campaign groups have been set up nationwide to oppose the Government’s plans to sell-off England’s public forest estate.

The Government has begun consultation on a bill that would allow the sale of the entire Forestry Commission 635,000-acre estate – essentially transferring power to the private sector.

Save Lakeland’s Forests has led a vocal campaign spearheaded by former Forestry Commission chairman Lord Clark of Windermere and will host a rally on Sunday, kicking off at 1pm from the main car park in Grizedale Forest.

And other campaigns to oppose the sale of local public forests have been set up, including Hands off our Forests in the Forest of Dean, Save Thetford Forest and Save Cannock Chase.

With MPs required to vote any proposed bill through Parliament, local campaigns allow residents and forest users to influence their MP directly.

Find out how you can get involved in the Government consultation, which will run until 5pm on Thursday April 21, at www.forestry.gov.uk/england-pfeconsultation

More than 250,000 people have signed a petition organised by 38 degrees. To add your name, head this way.