Today, the Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman confirmed that the consultation on the future management of the Public Forest Estate has been halted as she admits the Government had "got this one wrong".

The BMC has welcomed the announcement that the Government’s consultation on the future management of the public forest estate has been halted but remains cautious as access to our forests now appears to be in the hands of an independent panel.

In a statement to MPs in the House of Commons, the Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman, announced three steps which “will allow for more measured and rational debate about the future direction of forestry policy.” These include:

• An end to the public consultation on plans to dispose of the 258,000 hectares of woodland in England run by the Forestry Commission by 2020.
• Establish an independent panel with environmentalists to reach consensus on reforms to improve access and biodiversity in forests.
• Drop clauses in the Public Bodies bill that would allow the government to sell off all of England's forests. Under current laws only 15% of forests can be sold.

Speaking in the House of Commons, the Environment Secreatry said;

“I would first like to say that I take full responsibility for the situation that brings me before the House today….

“First, I have taken a decision to end the consultation on the future of the Public Forest Estate and I take full responsibility for that. I am doing so because it is quite clear from the early responses to the consultation that the public and many MPs are not happy with the proposals we set out.

“Second, the Government will support the removal of the forestry clauses from the Public Bodies Bill, currently at committee stage in the House of Lords.

“And thirdly I would like to announce that I am establishing an independent Panel to consider forestry policy in England. It will report to me with its findings this autumn. 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.

“If there is one clear message from this experience, it is that people cherish their forests and woodlands and the benefits they bring. My first priority throughout this period of debate has been securing a sustainable future for our woodlands and forests. On many occasions in the House last autumn, Ministers gave assurances that our aim in all of this has been to do more to maintain and enhance the public benefits delivered by forestry – from recreational access to wildlife protection; from tackling climate change to sustaining a wide range of small businesses. That is why my ambition to provide a better future for our forests is undiminished.

“We have already heard positive suggestions about how we can do this – for heritage forests and all other woodlands. We have spoken to the RSPB, the National Trust, the Woodland Trust, the Wildlife Trusts, the Ramblers and other groups. The Forestry Commission has itself acknowledged that change is needed and will of course be fully engaged in this process going forward, as I know they have many ideas to contribute.

“We have also been listening to MPs on all sides of the House many of whom have set up their own initiatives with local groups. We want to support them in this.

“Finally, I am sorry, we got this one wrong, but we have listened to people’s concerns. I would like to thank colleagues for their support through what has been a difficult time. I now want to move forward in step with the public. I hope that the measures I have announced today, signalling a fresh approach, demonstrate my intention to do the right thing for our forests and woodlands.”

In a debate lasting for over an hour, the Minister was asked to give assurances that access to our forests would be safeguarded for future generations, including a question from BMC supporter, David Rutley, MP for Macclesfield, who said;

“access for horse riding groups, for climbers, for walkers is going to be very important and something that needs to be considered in the future – will access be at the heart of the terms of reference that will be crafted for the new independent panel”.

The Minister responded by saying that it “will be a priority to protect and enhance access and other public benefits for our forests and woodlands” and that the newly created independent panel will be looking at forestry policy across the board – not just to the public estate but also on private land.

Today’s news is very much welcomed by the BMC who have campaigned alongside other organisations for changes to be made to the Public Bodies Bill and for greater protection of public access to the Forestry Commission Estate. However, we remain cautious as access to our Forests now appears to be in the hands of an independent panel.

It is important that the BMC makes representations to the independent panel and to DEFRA as to the importance of accessing our woodlands, not only for quiet enjoyment on foot but for access to the many crags situated on Forestry Commission Land, both privately and publicly owned.

The BMC is in the process of pulling together a list of crags on FC land in England; and there are a lot! Once this is complete we can ensure that every MP is aware of the number of crags in his / her constituency on FC land and ensure that the panel are aware of the exact number of crags to be found on the Estate. We need you help however, in ensuring that this list is as comprehensive as possible. If you know of crags that are situated on FC land in England, please contact me at the BMC on Cath@thebmc.co.uk.

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