The Study of the Forestry Commission Estate in England

 

Following Forestry Commission England’s recommendation the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has asked the Forestry Commission to undertake a study of the estate the Forestry Commission manages in England. The Study is part of the Forestry Commission's Corporate Plan 2008–11 published in June 2008 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/england-corporateplans.

The purpose of the study to:

• consider the future long term sustainable role for the public forest estate making recommendations about any necessary changes to improve its ability to deliver relevant priorities in the Strategy for England's Trees Woods and Forests and contribute to other government objectives.

The study will be overseen by the Forestry Commission’s England National Committee. An external Reference or Working Group will be set up to support the process. There will be information gathering and research as well as a formal public consultation to seek wider views. The group will make recommendations to the England National Committee, which will consider them and then make recommendations to our Minister. The process should be completed during the autumn or winter of 2009.

A booklet has been produced describing the estate and setting out some of the activities carried out on it.

These pages will set out how the process is developing.

November 2008.

If you wish to get in touch with the Project Team please contact:

Joe Watts
Forestry Commission
Great Eastern House
Tenison Road
Cambridge CB1 2DU

joe.watts@forestry.gsi.gov.uk