Those who like to go walking should welcome news that the panel charged with directing future government policy on forests in England are taking a walk in the woods to find out the views of visitors there, the Ramblers has said.

Members of the panel are to speak directly to the public as they visit the Forest of Dean, as well as woodlands in Northumberland and Kent.

News that the group - which includes Ramblers chief executive Tom Franklin - will be heading out has been welcomed by the charity's senior policy officer Justin Cooke.

He stated the body is glad that "the public will be able to directly tell the panel members their hope and fears for the future of woodlands and forests in England".

The group was established by environment secretary Caroline Spelman after plans to sell off Forestry Commission land were axed earlier this year.

It will consider issues of access, biodiversity and wildlife conservation in both public and private woodland.