LONDON, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Nearly 300,000 people have signed a petition to halt Britain from disposing of more than 600,000 acres of woodlands, officials said.

But Britain's National Trust said it is willing to "step in" to purchase or take over the woodlands, The Guardian reported.

"This is a watershed moment in the history of the nation," said Fiona Reynolds, director of the trust. "These much-cherished places have been in public hands for centuries, enjoyed by everyone for generation after generation. The future of these important national assets will be decided in a matter of weeks."

She said the trust's initiative could protect in perpetuity not only "heritage" areas such as the Forest of Dean and the New Forest, but other woodlands expected to be sold in the biggest change in land ownership in more than 80 years.

"Our board will decide how to respond," Reynolds said. "We stand ready to help in a variety of ways. It could be ownership or to help others play a role."

"For 116 years, the National Trust has helped to save the places the people of this country most value when their existence, or access to them, has been threatened. If the government is determined to pursue the course of action it has outlined and the public wish us to, we are ready to play our part in giving them a secure future. We are ready to step in," Reynolds said.