Permissions
 If you are planning an event on Forestry Commission land read on to see if you need our formal permission. Our forests are used for many activities, events and operations and we cannot guarentee that the area you would like to use will be available.
Remember its better to ask if you are unsure, please phone 01229 860373 for Cumbria and Lancashire or 01606 882167 for Cheshire, Greater Manchester or Merseyside.. The majority of our forests are dedicated as open access under Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000 which gives walkers the right to roam across these areas. In many of the rest we operate a permissive right to roam policy. In addition we extend a permissive right to roam to cyclists and horse riders who may use our forest roads and tracks. You can find out whether your event includes Forestry Commission land by using the MAGIC website. To see maps showing land dedicated as open access under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000 visit the Countryside Access website If you are planning an event which falls into any one of the categroies below then you will need to seek our formal perission. Events may require formal permission where:- - particpants are charged an entry fee.
- the event is competitive.
- the event will generate significant car parking requirements.
- motor vehicles are used either as part of the evnt or in a support role.
- the event will require the closure of an area to protect public safety..
- the event is planned to be held within close proximity to one of our Forest Park Visitor Centres.
- the event location includes a designates site of ecological conservation or heritage value.
- the event involves filming or photography.
- you want to collect or remove materials from our land eg firewood, plants, trees or fungi.
- the event involves someone selling food or other items.
The event organiser is responsible for the activity, the participants and the potential impact it could have on other people around you. Because of general public access, the needs of forest operations and environmental legislation, events must be properly planned to gaurantee that they pass off safely and enjoyably for everyone concerned. Please work with us to ensure your event is planned properly. A minimum of 6 weeks advance notice is required prior to your intended event date, but the longer the better to ensure good planning and to accommodate changes. Guidance Notes (PDF) are available to download, to assist with understanding the application process. You will need to send us the following completed forms :- Both forms can be typed into and printed but unless you have the full version of Adobe Acrobat (as against the free reader) you will not be able to save the form with your text. In addition please send the following:- - Copy of Public Liability Insurance certificate to a minimum value of £2 million for low impact activities (small group walking activities with <25 people). For all other activities the minimum insurance cover will be £5 million. Applicants should always double check with their insurers that the planned activity fits within the existing terms of their policy.
- Evidence of competence if you are planning to use machinery/equipment eg a quad bike or chainsaw.
- Copy of your vehicle insurance if your permit is for vehicle access only. If you are sending us uour public liability insurance we do not need you vehilce insurance.
- First draft map of the forest area and any routes you wish to use. You should always be able to personally inspect any proposed route. You can use the MAGIC website for this or Ornance Survey Get a Map.
Please complete both the above in full, sign and send to us at the address below For Cumbria and North Lancashire please send to our office at Grizedale, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0QJ. For Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester please sen to our office at Delamere, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2JD. A Landowners Risk Assessment (PDF) is available to download and must be considered when planning your event. Motorised Vehicle Use for Set Up, Take Down and Safety Managment at a Recreation Event. Forestry Commission byelaws (PDF) prohibit the use of motorised vehicles on FC land without written consent and it is FC policy to minimise access to motorised vehicles. It is acknowledged that to set up, take down and manage safety at a recreation event a vehicle of some type may be required. Please refer to the FC North West England policy note on the use of motorised vehicles by event organisers, which forms part of the Guidance Notes (PDF). Permission Charges We make an administration charge for all permits which covers our time drawing up and discussing the permit. This is a fixed charge of £50.00 ex vat. Where a gate key is required we ask for a deposit of £30.00 which is refunded on return of the key. In addition we reserve the right to charge a lump sum or per competitor fee for events that are competitive or where particpants are charged an entry fee.
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