The future plan for England's forests was set out today by Barry Gardiner, Minister for Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs, at the launch of the Strategy for England Trees, Woods and Forests. From helping to combat climate change to boosting business opportunities, the strategy (which can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/rddteam/forestry.htm) highlights the potential of these important natural resources to improve life for people and wildlife.
It shows how long-term sustainable management of trees, woods and forests can help people and wildlife adapt to a changing climate and how people can make the most of their local woodlands. It also highlights the way in which woodlands protect and enhance natural resources, improve urban environments, and promote better markets for sustainable woodland products and services.
Many schemes around the country are already helping to meet the strategy’s objectives, and the document highlights a number of local projects and partnerships. One of these projects - a former Nottinghamshire coalfield site which has been transformed into 2000 acres of community woodland by the Forestry Commission - hosted the launch event.
Speaking at the launch, Barry Gardiner said:
“We have a vision of what we want England’s trees, woods and forests to look like in the years to come. More important, we know what we want them to do for the generations who follow. This strategy shows how we can meet the challenges and opportunities of making our trees and woodlands productive, healthy and attractive throughout the decades to come.
The Sherwood Forest Community Rangers Project has involved a number of key local partners, and local communities have played a vital role in the transformation of colliery waste into community woods with 30 miles of footpaths and tracks and spectacular views across open countryside.
“Trees and woodlands make a big difference to the quality of people’s lives, enhancing where they live and work, so people must be able to get involved in planning and caring for them too. What we want to see is the right trees in the right places, where they can contribute most in terms of environmental, economic and social benefits.
“Climate change is the biggest challenge – sustainable managed woodlands can help to cut carbon emissions, and we must plan and act now if our woodlands are to be adaptable to future conditions. Native plants and animals will need a network of habitats within which they can move to find the best conditions to live as the climate changes.”
The Forestry Commission working in partnership with Natural England and other key organisations, will now draw up a delivery plan.

Lord Clark of Windermere, Chairman of the Forestry Commission, said:
“The Forestry Commission welcomes the publication of A Strategy for England’s Trees, Woods and Forests. With our partners, we have a vital role to play to ensure the Government’s aim to provide attractive, productive and healthy woodlands becomes a viable and sustainable reality, both now and for future generations.
“The Sherwood Community Rangers Project is an excellent example of the way the Forestry Commission works in partnership with local communities and other organisations to regenerate disused industrial land; to create green spaces for people to enjoy and to improve habitats for wildlife.“
 

1. Other Regional projects, featured in the Strategy are:
??Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire.
??Wye Woods Health Project, Herefordshire and South Shropshire.
??Murdishaw Safer Woodlands Project, Nr Runcorn.
??Cambridgeshire Green Infrastructure Strategy
??Lincolnshire Limewoods
??Neroche, Somerset/Devon border
??Special Trees and Woodlands Project, the Chilterns, Bukinghamshire.
??Flood management project on River Laver, near Ripon, Yorkshire.
??Egger, near Hexham, Northumberland
??Giddings, Hampshire.
??Grascott Farm, Devon.
??Savill Garden Visitor Centre, Windsor Great Park.
??Woodfuel supply chain, London Energy Partnership.

2. The Forestry Commission (www.forestry.gov.uk) is responsible for forestry in Great Britain. It supports woodland owners with grants; tree felling licences, regulation and advice; promotes the benefits of forests and forestry; and advises government on forestry policy. It manages more than a million hectares (2.5 million acres) of national forest land for public benefits such as sustainable timber production, public recreation, nature conservation, and rural and community development.