WE asked for your views on last week’s front page story: should drivers pay to park at Idless Woods, near Truro? Forestry England has announced that parking meters are to be installed at the beauty spot, which is popular with familes and dog walkers.

Readers were divided. On the side of a resounding “no” was Patricia Fairbairn, who asked: “Why start charging now? These woods have been free ever since I can remember, and I'm 82. I live nearby and have visited there lots in bike rides, walking my daughter's dogs and taking my grandsons there since very young age.”

Becky Fuller condemned the charges as “terrible” on the grounds that “a free relaxed walk in the woods is now turning into an expensive rushed trip out - not good for families”. She added: “If they installed some facilities I'd understand.”

“The government want to encourage the public to walk/exercise for our health, but it’s increasingly difficult to find anywhere out in the countryside to park for free in an economic crisis,” said Paul Richards. “Most beaches aren’t accessible anymore unless you pay to park. Now woodlands are being hit with parking charges.”

Local resident Charles Dormer was concerned “the only thing it will do is see people parking on the way into the woods outside people’s houses”.

From her home in a National Geopark in Spain, Anita Holford said: “It’s absolutely wrong to be charging to park to exercise in the fresh air. I live near a lake that has a beach area and activities in the summer months, with no parking charges.”

Many felt a fee would be worth paying if Forestry England brough back the dog bins removed in 2024 on the grounds it could no longer afford to maintain and empty them.

“If they reinstated the dog bins, I think they'd have less resistance,” said Taylor Williams. “Considering there are no services like those at Cardinham Woods, what is the money going to?”

Born in Idless, Susan Coney argued the charges were reasonable. “Us villagers respected the woods but it seems a lot of people don't nowadays.”

Andy Weaz Williams hoped most drivers “would be more than happy to contribute to the maintenance of the woods at Idless and the broader work of Forestry England that is so important to the wider environment”.

A Forestry England spokesperson said: “Although Forestry England is a public body, we receive less than 20 per cent of our core funding from government.

“As costs to look after Idless Woods continue to rise, it’s no longer financially sustainable to provide free parking here. The forest is still free to visit for those arriving on foot from the local area.

“The money drivers pay to use the car park will be invested to look after Idless Woods and other forests we care for in Cornwall. Regular visitors can save money by becoming a Forestry England member for £96 per year for their whole household.”