The UK Government has confirmed rumours of a massive sale of Forestry Commission woodland, which could include popular mountain bike areas such as Cannock Chase and the Forest of Dean.

In a letter circulated to MPs, Farm Minister Jim Paice outlined the new intentions for selling off land in an aim to raise funds to help pay off the Budget deficit.

The government could sell up to half of the 1.85 million acres of woodland currently managed by the Forestry Commission. The letter to MPs confirms woodland areas only make up 18 percent of the possible effected areas.

Mountain biking meccas such as Cannock Chase, Hamsterley, Sherwood Pines, Whinlatter, Delamere, Dalby, Wyre forest and Haldon Forest Park. According to the report all of the Forestry Commission’s sites are included in the new proposals.

The government is expected to hold a public consultation where people can express their concerns. This should last approximately 12 weeks. The consultations would give mountain bikers and other users a chance to voice their views and opinions on the proposed changes.