Forest renaissance - The role of state forestry in Britain ... - WWF UK

FOREST RENAISSANCE • THE ROLE OF STATE FORESTRY IN BRITAIN 1919-2050: A DISCUSSION PAPERA New Future for State Forestsin Britain14“State forests are muchmore ecologicallyrobust.”What do we want?Developing a futurevision for state forestsIn the following section, we present avision of how forests in general, and stateforests in particular, might appear in2050.England, Scotland and Wales have larger,higher quality and more varied forest estateswhich are supported, shaped and influencedby many people. There is diversity in foresttypes and structures and in managementapproaches. In the first two decades of the20th century, partnerships between stateforest bodies, private owners, local authoritiesand others helped to recreate large nativeforests throughout England and Wales, whilein Scotland and Wales several uneconomicstate-owned conifer plantations were restoredto native species. Long deforested areas, suchas the famous Sherwood Forest, theCaledonian pinewoods and the Atlanticoakwoods of Scotland have re-emergedthrough negotiations with local communities.Britain is recognised as an international leaderin forest landscape restoration. More peopleare dependent on forests for part of theirincomes, with leisure activities oftenreplacing forestry in maintaining rurallivelihoods. Forest products are anincreasingly important part of the economy,replacing alternatives which have highersocial and environmental costs.Existing state forests and woodlands arechanging. While some plantations remain,more areas are under continuous covermanagement and native species and ourhardwood forests are starting to berecognised as among the best in the world. Agreater emphasis on high-value products anduses – hardwoods, non-timber forest productsand recreation – has changed both nature ofmanagement and choice of tree. The vastmajority of Britain’s state forests are trulymulti-purpose with managers focusing on thewhole landscape, integrating whereverpossible natural ecological processes. Thirdparty certification provides the framework forcontinued improvements and is recognised asa credible global model.State forests are much more ecologicallyrobust. Previously threatened species such asthe honey buzzard and pine marten are secureand spreading back into lowland areas wheretheir existence was previously a distantmemory: several have been removed from theUK Red List of endangered species. For thefirst time since Neolithic humans clearedforests with flint axes, truly wild forests aregrowing again in places, through naturalregeneration and negotiated restoration.Britain is increasingly seen as an importantdestination for forest-based adventureholidays.An expanding network of protected areas andmanaged natural forests links naturalwoodland fragments with areas undergoingrestoration. Reserves are developing oldgrowthcharacteristics.People play a more central role in decisionsabout their local forests. New technologyhelps consultation and a new generationunderstands the importance and values offorests. State forest managers’ expertise andremit has changed; they are expected to listenmore and to liaise with local people, to ensurethat necessary trade-offs between differentforest functions are understood and properlydebated. Forestry is considered one of thesafer industries and there are more womenentering the profession at all levels. Peopleare aware of our forest footprint abroad andBritain, particularly through consumer choiceof certified products and a green publicprocurement policy, helps improvemanagement in exporting countries.Despite a growing resource base, Britain stillrelies on timber imports, and the need for