Seeing the wood for the trees
Background Seeing the Wood for the Trees is the title of the South East England Regional Forestry Framework Document. This government England Forestry Strategy document A New Focus for Englands Woodlands, published in 1998, was the basis for each region to develop its own strategy to address the issues and objectives raised in the national strategy. At regional level, the forestry strategy was developed to be in accord with the Integrated regional Strategy and thte Regional Planning Guidance (RPG 9) of the time. A consultation document on the Forestry Framework for the South East was produced in March 2004, the responses from which helped form the final version Seeing the Wood for the Trees published later in 2004. The Framework is overseen by Steering Group of the South East Forestry and Woodlands Partnership which comprises members representing the following organisations (some of whose names have subsequently changed): Natural England
Environment Agency
Confederation of Forest Industries (ConFor)
Forestry Commission
Government Office for the South East (GoSE)
Regional Advisory Committee of the Forestry Commission
South East England Development Agency
South East England Regional Assembly
Woodland Trust
In 2007 a new government strategy, A Strategy for England’s Trees, Woods and Forests was published. An national implemention plan for this strategy is currently being written after which the regional forestry frameworks will need to be reviewed to be in line with this.
Structure of the Framework
The regional framework was divided into 4 themes, each containing a number of related benefits (outputs) from woodland and the objectives to achieve those benefits. Witihin each theme a priority topic was chosen that gained particular focus from the steering group. Please download the regional framework document from the link below for full information. Examples of the work being done to support each Theme can be seen on the page linked to the particular theme. Theme 1: Better Places for People to Live Priority Topic: Sustainable Communities
Theme 2: Enhanced Environment and Biodiversity
Priority Topic: Ancient Woodland
Theme 3: A Stronger Contribution to the Economy
Priority Topic: Renewable Energy
Theme 4: A secure Future for our Woodland Resources
Completed Priority Topic: Regional Spatial Planning
Priority Topic: Skills and Training
There are various issues associated with skills and training within the sector such as:
Ageing workforce – not enough young people coming into the industry Cost of training – most workers are paid for jobs done (as opposed to being waged) and therefore attending training means forgoing income as well as having the various expenses involved in the training itself Some small businesses are finding difficulty keeping up to date with paperwork associated with the increasing amount of legislation for the sector. The Rural Development Program for England (RDPE) will provide opportunity for funding for forestry related courses provided under the training categories including ‘Business Management’, ‘Country Skills’, ‘Forestry and Woodland related Activities’, ‘Health & Safety’, ‘IT’, ‘Machinery Operation and Maintenance’, ‘Marketing & Sales’ and ‘Construction’.
South East Woodland Timber Fund (SEWTF)
As a result of developing the Regional Forestry Framework, a need for funding to support initiatives to improve the local timber products markets was identified. Using this information, funding has been obtained from SEEDA and is being adminstered by the Forestry and Woodlands Partnership.
News
The News page gives information on the latest stories in the region. Events
There are various organisations around the region that hold woodland related events throughout the year. Links to the events pages of many of these organisations are held on our Regional events page. These include opportunites for voluntary involvement with woodland management and community projects.
Woodlands in the Region
Information on the woodlands in the region can be found on our South East Region home page.
Publications
A regular e-newsletter is produced giving information on RFF progress, events, funding opportunities and woodland related policy. Please contact heather.pettitt@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you would like to be added to the circulation list. Back issues are available on the publications page.
Publications relating to the Regional Forestry Framework are downloadable from the publications page.
Download the Regional Forestry and Woodlands Framework (PDF: 3.68MB / 64 pages) Framework Summary (PDF:2.8MB/ 4 pages) Guidance for Planners - Implementing the draft South East Woodland Policy NRM5 RFF - 2 years on! (pdf:311k/2 pages) South East Woodland and Timber Fund (SEWTF)
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