Government consultation on the future of public forests in England

The Government launched a consultation on the future of the public forest estate managed by the Forestry Commission on 27 January 2011. This includes the Crown land in the New Forest National Park.  The consultation runs until 21 April 2011.

The New Forest National Park Authority issued a statement from its chairman on 1 February. The statement reflects the Authority’s concern to ensure the ongoing protection of and access to the Crown Lands and the unique commoning system that sustains this beautiful landscape. It explains that its members will debate the issue in March and give their formal response to the consultation after that.

The Authority recognises that the proposed changes are prompting widespread debate in the New Forest and beyond. Details of what is proposed and how to respond to the consultation are included on Defra’s website

www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/forests/index.htm

Statement on Government proposals for forests in England

1 February 2011

Julian Johnson, Chairman of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘Just under half of the New Forest National Park is Crown land managed by the Forestry Commission, nationally and internationally important for wildlife and sustained by a unique commoning system.  It is vital that any changes resulting from the Government’s proposals for forests in England continue to safeguard the special qualities of this much-loved landscape including the ancient commoning system that sustains it.

‘National Park members will listen carefully to the debate and make a formal response to the current consultation after their meeting in March.

‘National park authorities have more than 60 years’ experience of working with landowners across the public, voluntary and private sectors.  I expect the National Park Authority to play a key role in working with people to protect the New Forest and ensure that people can continue to enjoy it into the future.’

ends