It is good to see that the momentum generated by the forestry debate earlier this year is alive and well. The campaign to save our forests demonstrated the huge value we place on our iconic landscapes and precious wildlife. The Government’s response was to convene the Independent Panel on Forestry in England, which is beginning to consider the various issues and options.
The grass-roots movements that were formed in the midst of the forestry furore are not represented on the panel. ‘Our Forests’ has been launched to co-ordinate public opinion and will doubtless be lobbying panel members, including our own Chief Executive, Mike Clarke. We welcome this – it’s important that the national view is recognised and that people feel they are having a say on the future of England’s public forest estate.
We are lobbying Mike too. He sits on the Panel as an independent expert on forestry. The public forest estate is the single most important direct contribution the Government can make to restoring biodiversity on behalf of the Nation.
We have been campaigning for decades for improvements to our forests through the restoration of ancient woodlands and heathlands and the enhancement of historic cultural landscapes. We will continue to do so. This may require some changes to the way our forestry is managed but, when all’s said and done, it’s about securing the right outcome for wildlife and for people.
In this context I think the Forestry Commission's remit/brief needs to be upgraded to make sure it acts in a much more wildllfe friendly way with biodiversity considerations first and foremost. While it has improved in that respect in patches I think there are still many cases where biodiversity is the last of their considerations
I also see, Martin, a report on the BBC today that at a meeting in Oslo, European ministers have agreed to plans being drawn up to protect all European forests. I hope this is an accurate report and maybe heralds a step forward for all Europe's forests.
redkite
Martin, This a particular issue of mine having grown up in the Forest of Dean. I do agree with the comment 'The grass-roots movements that were formed in the midst of the forestry furore are not represented on the panel'. Which is a pity because Forests are much more than just trees, they are about people and environment.
It is also a pity that the words being used within Government are not helpful. The recent comment during a parliamentary session that the sale of woodland has not been cancelled just suspended certainly won't help as it came before the panel had even started considering anything.
I do hope the Government will see Our Forests as being within the package of environmental messages that it has recently publicised.
The Cotswold Water park sightings website
My Flicker page