Consultation is occurring on the detail and functions of the new management body for England’s Public Forest Estate. This consultation deals with estate governance and funding, and the remit of the new body. New legislation will be required.
Background: The UK Government Forestry and Woodlands Policy Statement January 2013 made a number of commitments to support the future of forests in England. One of the most important was that England’s Public Forest Estate would remain secured in public ownership.
The 2013 forestry policy statement also identified that Government would retain a core of forestry expertise with the capacity to deliver a range of functions, duties, and powers; and that it would work with devolved nations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) to deliver cross-border functions such as research, standards, and tree health centrally where appropriate.
