I WISH to respond further to the concern over the so-called management of the Wyre Forest (Shuttle/Times & News, November 15)

It should be understood that the Forestry Commission were due to take over the reserve three years ago. This was one of the reasons for my early retirement as a warden.

I do not believe they are an organisation with the expertise to manage one of the most important nature reserves in the country - but that is separate issue.

The FC finally said that they would not take on the management because of the backlog of work that needed to be done, and also because they would break their machines when cutting the rides.

What has happened, therefore, is that English Nature are in effect carrying out work in one fell swoop that would have been spread over several years, and taking out the stumps and every thing else to make the job easier.

This is not the way to manage an area ecologically. One does not need a degree in science to see that.

Why the lack of concern for the many species in Wyre other than butterflies? Is it because they are pretty? The very reason that the forest was declared a national reserve in the first place was, in fact, because of rare lichens growing on sycamore trees in Seckley Wood!

JOHN ROBINSON

Lodge Hill Farm, Bewdley