A commitment to make local communities a priority in the way public forests are managed was given by Elliot Morley MP when he launched a new national strategy that sets trailblazing standards for other landowners to follow.
Communities, including those in the New Forest area, will benefit from the initiative.
England's Forestry Minister pledged that local people will have an even greater involvement in decisions which affect their community. Forest Enterprise will build on its many partnership successes, working closely with communities.
The measures demonstrate a pledge to bring the Government closer to the people and in particular will mean:
- local people will be more involved in the plans and shape of local woodlands;
- the needs of local businesses and contractors will be given higher priority;
- more recreational information will be provided;
- local job opportunities will be promoted;
- communities will be consulted on the sales or development of land; and
- there is a recognition that different communities have different needs and should be accounted for.
Two documents under the banner 'Forests for People - Working with Communities' have also been launched.