Canterbury MP Julian Brazier has defended Government plans to sell off thousands of acres of woodland.

He claims the proposals, which could affect four woodland areas in the district, have been misunderstood and insists they would get full protection with public rights to walk and horseride maintained.

He said: "We are not going to allow ancient forests to be grubbed up and public access denied. But we need to move the commercial forestry operations out of the public sector."

But he admitted to receiving hundreds of letters and emails from concerned constituents.

The Kent Wildlife Trust has also condemned the proposals which involve the loss of experienced Foresty Commission rangers.

Its head of conservation Richard Moyse said: "Although the Government consultation seeks to put some safeguards in place, they do not extend to local wildlife sites which represent some of our richest wildlife habitats.

"Voluntary and community bodies will have opportunities to bid for these woodlands but market values and commercial timescales mean they will struggle to raise the funds.

"Woodlands without legal protection will simply become commercial forests with little or no value for wildlife."

Chief executive of the Wildwood Trust at Herne, Peter Smith branded the planned sell-off as a 'theft from the public'.

He added: "It will be a crime against our children, stealing their birthright to enjoy the British countryside."

But he believed an economic plan could be created to preserve and restore woodlands with no cost to the taxpayer.