A social agenda is emerging at the heart of the Forestry Commission, according to the organisation’s new England director Paul Hill-Tout.
Speaking at the “Towards Sustainable Countryside Management” conference at the University of Lincoln, Mr Hill-Tout said research and pilot projects were new priorities for the commission as it sought to fit in with the social agenda.
The commission’s England Forestry Strategy calls for more woodland close to where people live and ensuring woodland forms part of an integrated range of services provided by land management. It also wants greater community involvement and closer ties with the health sector, education and training.
One project already started is the Woods for People initiative, organised jointly with the Woodland Trust, which is designed to collect data on accessible woodland. Its first phase was to be completed during June, enabling the commission to plan with partners and communities where access needs are greatest.
