Lord David Clark, Chairman of the Forestry Commission, warmly welcomed the Rural Strategy 2004 and the modernised arrangements for rural delivery.
The new arrangements mean that responsibility for strategic policy on forestry in England will transfer to Defra while the Forestry Commission becomes fully responsible for community forestry around towns and will increase its role in supporting the creation of new woodlands on farms. In the delivery of incentives, regulation and advice, the Forestry Commission will work in partnership with the new "Integrated Agency" as it evolves over the next few years.

These changes have no direct impact on the arrangements for managing the public forest estate by Forest Enterprise England. The public forest estate is, nevertheless, the largest single deliverer of government policies through land management and the Forestry Commission will have an important role to play both as an exemplar of best practice and as a catalyst supporting the work of other land managers.

There are no implications for FC functions in Scotland, Wales or GB.

Commenting on the announcement, Lord Clark said: “The Rural Strategy recognises that forestry is a key land-use which, through the England Forestry Strategy, helps to protect our natural resources, provide public services and underpin sustainable development. “

“The new arrangements will enable Defra to champion the role of forestry more effectively across Whitehall as part of an integrated approach to delivering public benefits from land management. The Forestry Commission will continue to develop woodland solutions for the Government’s policy priorities on sustainable development, the environment and health and wellbeing.”

“The Forestry Commission is looking forward to developing a close partnership with the “Integrated Agency”, building on the good working relationship we already have with English Nature, the Countryside Agency and other partners such as the Environment Agency. We are also well placed to play our part in the developing regional and local agenda, supporting Government Offices and RDA’s in the development of frameworks to identify the priorities for forestry in each region. To help deliver these priorities, we are preparing to launch Regional Grants within the new English Woodland Grant Scheme in 2005.”

“The Forestry Commission has a track record of delivery over 80 years through sustaining our core skills in managing land and woodland for public benefit and adapting them to serve the changing needs of society. We will continue to adapt and change to support the new Rural Strategy and delivery arrangements.”

Notes to editors:

1) For further information contact Liz Seale on 01223 314546 mobile: 07808 900321 e:mail: liz.seale@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

2) Defra's press release on the launch of the Government's rural strategy is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2004/040721c.htm