There is, quite rightly, increasing public concern about the government’s plans to sell off Forestry Commission forests and woodlands in England.
Whilst we are keenly awaiting the public consultation on this subject (and will respond robustly), we wonder how many of your readers realise that the Forestry Commission has already been instructed to sell some 40,000ha of woodland in England over the next four years; which amounts to about 15% of the public forest estate. It is thought that HM Treasury hopes to raise about £100m from the sale.
At a time when there is increasing recognition of the valuable economic, social and environmental benefits provided by our sustainably-managed forests, it is ludicrous that the government should be disposing of this vital national resource; especially as the UK is still one of the least wooded countries in Europe.
Although the Forestry Commission has not escaped occasional criticism over the years, its stewardship has been a force for good since its establishment in 1919. The government seems to have overlooked the fact that two of the Forestry Commission’s key objectives are, “to protect Britain’s forests and woodlands” and “to expand Britain’s forest area”.
A concerted effort is required by all with an interest in England’s forests to secure their future for generations to come.
David Sulman
Executive director
UK Forest Products Association
