The Independent Panel on Forestry has published its final report – crucial advice to Government on an issue that the public campaign of 2011 brought to boiling point.
The report should now form the basis of a constructive engagement to take the recommendations forward. One thing is for sure – there’s no chance that this report will be left to gather dust, the activism of last year is still there and will, I have no doubt, ensure that the report won’t be ignored. But for today – the reaction seems pretty much universally positive – with the caveat that it is ‘only’ a report and to be effective must be acted upon.
Here at the RSPB we certainly welcome the report – here’s Martin Harper’s view.
In a recent public survey asking why people value woodlands, wildlife was the top response. However, woodland wildlife is declining at an alarming rate, faster than almost any other habitat.
A wood isn’t just a bunch of trees – the richness of their wildlife is important both in its own right, and to us. Here’s a post I wrote back in February 2011 where I attempted to illustrate the link of one family with one wood.
Searching for woodland wildlife ... and finding heath fritillaries. Photos by me.
The report urges “greater protection and continuing restoration of habitats identified as being of high priority” and highlights the pivotal role that woods and forests have in our lives; in providing vital space for plants and wildlife, keeping people healthy and connected with nature, helping to keep our air and water clean, helping us adapt to climate change and driving a move to a greener economy.
So, the baton now passes to Defra – here’s Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman’s initial reaction.
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