The latest word from the County (below) shows that they have taken no notice of local wishes.  Not surprising but disappointing.  We might hope that the “Big Society” would  lead to early notice, discussions and time for communities to get organised and raise funds.  No chance!

I write to confirm that Suffolk County Council have accepted an offer from a private individual for Rede Wood and solicitors have been instructed to proceed with the sale. The new purchaser has committed to the County Council’s requirements for public and educational access in Rede Wood. Rede Wood will be open for public pedestrian access at all times throughout the year except for health and safety reasons or maintenance.
The new owner will be required under the contract for sale to enter into a management agreement with Suffolk County Council. The management agreement will be drafted by the County Council’s Senior Ecologist Sue Hooton and will include a requirement for coppicing and management to benefit biodiversity. The management agreement is required to comply with the Local Nature Reserve (LNR) status and will run in perpetuity and apply to all successors in title. The LNR status is a statutory designation under the Access to the Countryside and National Parks Act 1949 and can only be removed by the County Council in consultation with Natural England and not by a private individual.
I am unable to release the details of the new purchaser or sale price until the sale completes as this is confidential information..