The National Forest to 2014 Consultation June to September 2008 Dinah Nichols, Chair National Forest Company.

The National Forest to 2014

ConsultationJune to September 2008

Dinah Nichols, ChairNational Forest Company

1987: The inspiration for The National Forest

• To demonstrate the many benefits of trees and woodlands;

• To bring forestry into lowlands close to where people live;

• To be genuinely multipurpose: - resource for recreation and leisure - new wildlife habitats - restore damaged landscapes - basis for economic regeneration - involve communities

Today’s National Forest

• a recognisable forest in the making

• a bold project, weaving forestry into the economic, social and environmental fabric

• an inspiring example, in the face of climate change and other environmental pressures

• a place of enjoyment and learning for residents and visitors

• a place of contrasts, from quiet relaxation to active leisure

• a working forest providing new and sustainable livelihoods

Forest Cover 1995

Forest Cover 2008

Achievements by 2008

• Over 7 million trees, 18% woodland cover

• Nearly 1500 hectares of non-wooded habitats created or brought into management

• 50 miles of new hedges

• 7.35m visitors (to 2006)

• More than £100m invested in Forest and regeneration projects

• Carbon footprint calculated and businesses engaged

The 2004 – 2014 strategy

• Agreed with Government 2004 after full consultation

• Built on original strategy, adding new features: woodland economy and healthy living

• New cross-cutting themes: social inclusion, marketing and maintaining quality

• Full review 2014; review implementation 2009, with updated delivery plan

The context in 2008

• Land and commodity prices high and rising

• Early wins are won

• Major growth and development of Forest area

• Great opportunities for tourism and businesses

• Increasing concern about climate change

• National policy supports resilient landscapes and cared-for trees in the right places

Aims of review

• To establish how the creation of The National Forest will be undertaken to 2014, in support of the National Forest Strategy

• To agree with partners any new approaches to implementing the strategy and to secure their participation

• To ensure effective governance, resourcing and working arrangements to underpin the agreed activity to 2014

What is not in the review

• Forest boundary

• Ultimate aim of around a third woodland cover

• Ongoing Government support

Key question 1

• How much planting should we aim to do in a year?

200 – 250ha realistic yet ambitious: can do more if opportunities arise.

Key question 2

• What means can and should we use to achieve further large scale change in the landscape?

it is not just how many hectares, but where and how

connecting existing woodlands with other woods and habitats

green links for residents especially as housing increases

mixture of being opportunistic and targeted is right for next 5 years

Key question 3

• How do we maintain and improve the quality of The National Forest?

woodlands

other parts of the landscape

high quality throughout the Forest – whoever owns the sites

Key question 4

• What organisational and funding arrangements will best support the creation of the Forest to 2014?

National Forest Company itself

new partnerships

new funding mechanisms

Other issues

• Growth, development and planning

• Community involvement and consultation

• Climate change

• Sustainable tourism

• Sustainable transport

• Woodland species choice

The organisation of the review

• NFC has been speaking with partners since early 2008.

• Audit completed against the 2004 – 2014 strategy.

• Key contacts identified in many organisations.

• Online questionnaire, with further information.

• NFC available to speak with groups / boards etc.

• Citizens’ panel and surveys for local views.

• Hard copy version of document available.

• October 2008 – February 2009: revised implementation plan developed collaboratively.

Where we will be in Spring 2009

• Questions answered, way forward identified to 2014 and beyond

• New projects and collaborations with our partners

• New delivery plan

• Ministerial and partner endorsement at launch event

a forest in the making …