Community forests

 

What is the Community Forest programme?

This  was set up in 1993 to deliver a comprehensive package of urban, economic and social regeneration around towns and cities in England.  There are 12 Community Forests across England that are a product of a partnership between the Countryside Agency, the Forestry Commission, 58 local authorities and a host of other local and national organisations.

What is being achieved?

Existing tree cover within the twelve forests at the start of the programme averaged 6.9%, with an average of 170 ha of woodland planted each year.  The aim is to increase tree cover to approximately 30% over a thirty year period.

In the first five years of the programme 6000 ha were planted across the twelve forests.

What are the benefits?

This programme is creating high-quality environments for millions of people by:

• Diversifying land-use
• Revitalising derelict land and landscapes
• Enhancing biodiversity
• Providing new opportunities for leisure, recreation, cultural activity, education, healthy living and social and economic development.

The Community Forests all benefit from a dedicated team or organisation working with a variety of partnerships and delivery agencies to focus resources and harness skills and experience to achieve a wider strategic vision.

Further information

See the Community Forest website.