We have previously corresponded about the Coalition Government’s plans to sell Forestry Commission woodlands. Good news so far - the panel published its progress report on Thursday 8 December. Its final report and recommendations are expected in Spring 2012. The interim report recognises the important role that the Public Forest Estate plays in providing public enjoyment and access, helping to develop new green jobs and protecting biodiversity; and calls for the public forest estate to remain in public hands.
The progress report argues that the Public Forest Estate offers “very good value for money” and calls for the creation of more woodlands and improved public access to private forests and woodlands. The panel notes that the cost to the state of maintaining the Public Forest Estate, of £20 million per year, is “very modest and delivers benefits far in excess of this” and argues that the Government overlooked a number of benefits of public forests and woodlands when planning to sell off Forestry Commission land. The full progress report can be read by clicking here.
The panel has listened to the 42,000 people who responded to its call for views and has indicated that it will not recommend a full scale sell-off of public forestry land. The Government still intends to sell 15% of the Public Forest Estate and is cutting the Forestry Commission’s staff by a quarter, which will undermine the ability of the Forestry Commission to effectively manage the forests and deliver better woodland access and biodiversity.
Will update you as we hear more.......
