CASH cuts in the forestry industry could hit Ribble Valley woodland beauty spots, it is claimed.

The Country Landowners Association is worried that a large fall in employment in private forestry estates all over the country will lead to a winding down in some cash-strapped areas.

That would mean jobs cuts among forestry staff, fewer planting projects and a general decline in woodland management schemes.

Job figures in the industry are highlighted in a new survey by the Forestry Commission which reveals that, in the last five years, the numbers employed have been cut from 41,000 to 35,000.

Jolyon Dodgson, the CLA's regional secretary for Lancashire and Cumbria, said: "This is an extremely worrying indicator at a time when employment in agriculture is in decline.

"This is precisely the time when the countryside needs new employment opportunities and forestry has long been regarded as a neglected area of the rural economy where it should be possible to increase the number of jobs." But the managers of one of the Ribble Valley's most famous estates, Abbeystead, which belongs to the Duke of Westminster, are confident they will ride the storm, at least for the next few years.

Rod Banks, estate manager, said: "The problem has come about with changes in taxation and a reduction in incentives to manage woodland.

"Estate managers are looking sensibly at funding policies and are perhaps cutting back - and that means job losses.

"In the general climate, we are pleased to be holding our own at the moment with a five-year woodland grant scheme in operation.

"But I sympathise with some of the smaller estate owners who may have a lean period ahead."

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