Tree-mendous idea for a new forest

only intent was to win at all costs.

Collectively they cheated their way to a win when in truth the best they deserved was a draw.

Their cheating was supported and condoned by the referee and his officials who at best were clueless and culpable.

This is not sour grapes but an A NEW report out today speaks of the need to plant millions of trees to combat global warming.

On our doorstep we have a huge untapped resource to achieve this.

I’ve written of this before. To create a Great Northern Forest from the Derbyshire peaks to the Scottish border and beyond. The present economic value of the barren uplands rests on a few sad sheep. And even sadder shooters.

Figure this, 3,000 square kilometres of almost nil value. Divide the area figuratively into plots each 60 by 50 metres, that is 3,000 square metres. That’s a total of one million plots. Sell off the plots to, I’m sure, willing buyers, on a 200-year lease for £200. That’s a total of £200 million pounds. A nice little earner I’m sure. But that’s just the beginning.

The buyer gets the map co-ordinates and can visit when he wishes. By hiking of course, no vehicles. He’ll have his own God’s Little Acre. Able to sponsor trees of his choice for planting there. A wonderful employment opportunity for the ex-sheep herders turned woodsmen. The plot owner will have a place of pilgrimage for his family. A place to scatter ashes. To watch the golden eagle soar. A wonderful employment opportunity for park rangers who were once gamekeepers.

The economic value of the woodland thus created would run into billions. And help save the planet Well, perhaps not the planet but save us. Let’s get started.