AT least 60 people marched through the streets of Taunton last Thursday in protest at controversial plans to sell almost 2,000 acres of land on the Quantock Hills.

Swathes of designated outstanding natural beauty land at Great Wood and Custom Common near Over Stowey and Thorncombe Hill near Bicknoller could go under the hammer under proposals put forward by owners Somerset County Council.

Objectors to the sale, carrying banners and placards, marched from Vivary Park to the authority's headquarters at County Hall.

Harry Proctor, one of the organisers, said he was pleased with the response.

"People are only just beginning to find out about this and a lot of them are very concerned," he said.

"Our fear is that this decision is being made behind closed doors and having the consultation period just before Christmas is not ideal timing."

Protesters have launched a petition and have so far collected almost 3,000 signatures.

"A total of 400 people signed it in the space of just one hour," said Mr Proctor.

"That shows the strength of feeling about this proposed sale."

Objectors, who include the Friends of Quantock and the Campaign to Protect Rural England, claim selling the land would bring only short-term financial gain and in the long-term could put at risk the protection and access to the countryside that is currently enjoyed by so many people.

But the county council has confirmed that full public access to the woods and moorland would be retained.

A spokesman for the authority said it could give a categorical assurance that the AONB land would be sold with all existing walking, riding and public access rights.

The Forestry Commission, which leases the 1,500-acre Great Wood on a 999-year lease, is currently in talks with the county council about buying it.