THERE may have been a U-turn on plans to sell-off the forests but one Christchurch campaign group is still determined to have their voice heard.

The Friends of Hurn’s Forests was formed to fight against the Government’s controversial consultation to sell off forests under the control of the Forestry Commission.

And despite environment secretary Caroline Spelman shelving the consultation on Thursday the group still wishes to lodge its love of the forests at Hurn, Ramsdown and Sopley.

A petition, which began earlier this week, will be presented to Christchurch MP Chris Chope on March 20, when a membership launch day will take place at Hurn Bridge Sports Club.

Already more than 100 signatures have been collected.

Campaigners include Margaret Phipps, chairman of Hurn Parish Council and St Catherine’s and Hurn ward councillor Sue Spittle.

Margaret Phipps said: “It’s a bit of a U-turn but it might not be over yet.

“We are going to continue with our petition to give a voice to people’s feelings.

“If nothing else it will show the strength of support and can be given to this new panel.

“We can’t stop now.”

Petitions can be signed at Hurn Post Office and Londis at St Catherine's Hill.

Anyone interested in signing or joining the Friends should email save.hurnforests@virginmedia.com A Facebook group - Friends of Hurn's Forests - is also being set-up.