Meeting with Forestry Commission

One part of our work that membership supports is our policy and advocacy work with organisations and in forums locally and on a national basis. Later this month Judy Walker and I are meeting with Simon Hodgeson, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission in England, to discuss issues of importance to small woodland owners and managers. Top of the list of items for discussion will be to ask him for an update on the changes the Forestry Commission are planning, and their potential impact on the small woodland sector. The potential sell off of FC woodlands has hit the headlines, but grants, research and advice could all be affected. There is concern that concern that public access could be reduced, future timber supplies could be at risk and biodiversity management compromised.

It seems likely that FC funding for our organisation will be reduced which will have implications for some areas of operation and reduce support for our core functions which underpin our membership services. The FC does value our role in encouraging management of small woodlands and we hope to persuade them that they should continue to support our work.