Forestry consultation
The view of Martinshaw Wood from the M1 bridge
2011 - Groby listeners to the Today news programme on BBC Radio4 on Saturday 22nd January must have pricked up their ears when they heard Martinshaw Woods mentioned during an item about the discussion that is taking place over the potential sell off of some publicly owned forests. A representative for the Woodland Trust talked about the benefits of their management of Martinshaw Wood from the MI bridge as the traffic roared below.
The consultation about the future ownership and management of the public forest estate in England, that's land managed by the Forestry Commission, has created an immediate impact with numerous organisations condemning the proposals. The Government would like to sell 40,000 hectares of woodland over the four years period 2011/12 to 2014/15.
Shift in ownership
The consultation proposes an approach to reforming the ownership and management of the public forest estate that would “create a far greater role for civil society, businesses and individuals.” It sets out the case for a move away from the Government owning and managing significant areas of woodlands in England and the principles which will guide the Government in deciding the way forward. The consultation proposes a “mixed model” approach to reforming the ownership and management of the public forest estate to create what is described as a far greater role for civil society, businesses and individuals. Views are invited on the mixed model approach, the criteria for deciding which parts of the estate fit within each model, the principles guiding each model, the safeguards for providing public benefits, and alternative approaches. They also invite views on the implications for the future role of the Forestry Commission in England of these proposals. As part of the consultation respondents are invited to complete a 15 item questionnaire, either by post or online. Full details of the consultation and the questionnaire can be found online
Woodland Trust disappointed
The Woodland Trust was quick to respond to the proposals. "We are disappointed that there is no commitment to restore damaged ancient woods currently in public ownership. If these sites are sold, the current proposals cannot guarantee their restoration, one of the most significant contributions to wildlife conservation in a generation,” said Sue Holden, Chief Executive. She added that ancient woodland needs better protection than it currently has and “our initial reading of the consultation leaves us unclear as to the Government’s proposals about how increased protection could be delivered.”
The trust is also sceptical about the extension of the involvement of the voluntary sector. “While we fully support the concept of community ownership, we don’t believe that the charitable sector can be the solution to future care of all of the publicly owned heritage woodlands, as it will not have the resources to manage these for decades into the future without substantial and sustained government funding, said Sue. “We don’t believe the government has properly considered the feasibility of this option.”
Petition launched
The trust is concerned about the safeguards for ancient woodlands and has launched a petition which calls for -
Ancient woods to be treated as a special case in the Forestry Commission's sell-off plans.
Restoration of all the Forestry Commission’s damaged ancient woods (defaced by conifers) to their rightful place as jewels in the crown of our native woodland heritage.
Closure of loopholes in protection for all ancient woods, to guarantee their public access and wildlife value, no matter who owns them.
If this is something you would like to support you can sign up to the petition online.