Transcript Key question 1 - The National Forest

The National Forest to 2014
Consultation
June to September 2008
Dinah Nichols, Chair
National 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 caredfor 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?
700
600
Other
Hectares
500
Mineral/Derelict
Land Restoration
400
300
Land Acquisition
200
Tender Scheme
100
/0
8
07
/0
7
20
06
/0
6
20
05
/0
5
20
04
/0
4
20
03
/0
3
20
02
/0
2
20
20
01
/0
1
00
00
20
/2
0
/9
9
19
99
98
/9
8
19
97
/9
7
19
96
19
19
95
/9
6
0
 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 …