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Plantlife welcomes Government change of heart on forest sell-off
Our response to the Environment Secretary's announcement.
February 18 2011
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The New Forest. © Beth Newman / Plantlife
Following the Environment Secretary's statement on 17 February we are pleased that the government proposals on the sale of the English Public Forest Estate have been withdrawn as a consultation and from the Public Bodies Bill.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Thursday, Caroline Spelman apologised, telling MPs "I am sorry, we got this one wrong".
She then went on to announce she would establish an independent Panel to consider English forestry policy:
"It will report to me with its findings this autumn" said Mrs Spelman. "The Panel will advise me on the future direction of forestry and woodland policy in England, on the role of the Forestry Commission, and on the role of the Public Forest Estate."
"The panel will include representatives of key environmental and access organisations alongside representatives of the forestry industry. I will shortly publish its membership and terms of reference."
Plantlife has offered its expertise to the Government to assist the next stage of the process of enhancing biodiversity and access for our woodlands and will continue to work closely with our conservation partners to secure the right conditions for all our woodland flora.