Independent panel for future English forest policy

The Secretary of State, Caroline Spelman, has established the Independent Panel to advise her on the future direction of forestry and woodland policy in England and on the role of the Forestry Commission in implementing policy.

Encouragingly, I have been named as a Panel member. The Panel is chaired by the Right Reverend James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool. The Panel members have a wide range of experience, knowledge and interests relating to the economic, social and environmental aspects of forestry and woodlands.

We have an opportunity now to bring the collective experience of our members to bear in suggesting to government how it might achieve its goals while still maintaining forests in good condition and their management in professional hands - those of Chartered Foresters.

We now need to hear from members with your views. The Institute will be considering ways to gather members’ views to feed into the Panel but in the meantime please send us your comments.